For many communities, January 2001 temperatures were warmer than the Januaries of the previous three mild winters. The snows of late January added to the snow pack, leading to snow depths exceeding 12 inches across large areas of Minnesota by month's end. Snow depths in the southwestern third of Minnesota rank above the 80th percentile for the date, and snow depths for the remainder of the southern half of Minnesota are above median. Snow depths for the northern half of Minnesota are at or below the median. However, for gauging locations that provide winter data, the U.S. Geological Survey indicates that many points in the Red River basin are above the 90th percentile when compared to historical values for the date.
Stream flows in other areas of the state are near to above average for the date.
The NDMC index is a blend of science and subjectivity where intensity categories are based on six key indicators and numerous supplementary indicators. The Palmer Drought Severity Index is used for assessing long-term meteorological conditions. February is the year's driest month on average with normal precipitation values ranging from one half to three quarters of an inch. The February temperature outlook is also indeterminate for almost the entire state. Normal February high temperatures are in the upper teen's to low 20's early in the month, rising to the upper 20's and low 30's by month's end.