I looked up Des Moines snowfall #'s to the best I could (didnt check all 145 Dec's on record- just the cold /snowy ones) - and to my recollection DSM has never had a wall to wall snowcover if a "T" is Not included in a snow cover definition. 1978 had 7 days with a "T" -- all others greater than a Trace. DEC 1983 only had one day with a Trace (the 5th) -- all others 1" or more. 1989 wasn't even in the ball game. 2000 had a "T" on the 8th and zero on the 9th and 10th. All other dates 1" or more. DEC 2008 started out similar to this year but then had a "0" on the 14th followed by the 15th and 16th being "T" as well as 27th through 31st.
** new entry** Dec 2005 had 2" or more from DEC 1st to the 12th- then a "T" on the 13th and the rest of the month sucked BIG time.
FTR- I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn express last night, but by my data research says DSM is currently tied with DEC 2008/2012for most consecutive days to start DEC with at least 1" of snow depth. However- not one year comes close ( maybe 2005) to at least 4" of snow depth through the first 8 days (2025) -- and soon to be several days longer unless rainfall later this PM compacts the snow.
The real kicker is my co-workers and I are the "official" measurement people for all things snow at KDSM!!!
Remember- official snow depth for the day is measured at 12Z. It can- and does- make a difference.
Impressive records all around the Midwest to start this DEC. Just making sure it gets noticed.