The soil surface froze over the past few weeks. Without snow, milder temperatures and the sun could warm the soil surface, leading to damage from soil heaving, which can break roots and dry out plant parts. If you have not yet mulched perennial beds, with all this snow, you may not have to. If little snow is on the beds, however, this would be the time to mulch. Evergreen branches, such as from the used Christmas tree, are a good material choice.
Straw is another suitable material.
There are a few drawbacks to snow. Heavy snow can damage trees and shrubs as the weight accumulates on branches. Fortunately, snow from this past storm was fairly dry in most locations. These pests may gnaw on tender bark at the base of young tree trunks and the stems of shrubs. Voles also will tunnel on the surface of lawns under the snow, making very visible winding trails as the snows melt in spring.