The Winter of 2011-12 was largely abnormal with temperatures that averaged 4-5 degrees above normal and snowfall was 40-60 percent of normal. This combination accounted for snow packs across the region to be largely below normal or even non-existent by mid-March. Maple sugar producers started tapping trees by late February-early March.
In Mid-March, a huge, upper atmospheric ridge dominated the eastern half of the lower 48 states, which allowed for unprecedented RECORD heat from the northern Plains and Mississippi River Valley to the Atlantic coast. In fact, thousands of daily record maximum temperature records were broken during this time frame.
In Vermont, temperatures reached the mid 50s to lower 60s on March 17th, then climbed into the 70s on the 18th with 70s and lower 80s on the 19th through 22nd. The normal high temperature during this period is the mid 30s to lower 40s. These record temperatures combined with Winter 2011-12 conditions accounted for the Maple Sugaring industry to end by the last week of March. Preliminary estimates of a 30 percent loss in the maple sugaring industry or approximately 250,000 gallons at a market rate of $40/gallon or approximately a $10 Million loss statewide. http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/New_England_includes/Publications/0605mpl.pdf
In addition, but not accounted for in damage estimates, is the loss revenue of the ski industry during the winter due to a 25-50 percent snow drought and early spring closures.
Climatological records available in Vermont are Burlington, Montpelier and St. Johnsbury and are included in their corresponding zones.