Iowa migration report

The mild, dry weather that we saw in Iowa for the past six weeks came to an end as a large winter storm system crossed the state from Nov. 11-13.

Rain fell statewide with one to two inches common in southwest, central and north central Iowa. Heavy snow fell along the western edge of the storm with 6-14 inches falling from Crawford County to Emmet and Kossuth counties. Maximum snowfall (14 inches) fell at Emmetsburg while Mason City recorded maximum precipitation (3.04 inches).

Statewide, average precipitation was 1.37 inches.  Temperatures were seasonally cool most of the past week, with a low of 20 F in NW IA on the 15th (Mon). 

Ducks were reported migrating on the 13th (Sat) and 14th (Sun), and again on the 18th (Thur) and 19th (Fri).  Snow geese and white-fronted geese were also observed moving on these days. 

Northern areas noted influxes of diving ducks (ringnecks, scaup, buffleheads, and mergansers) on Thursday and Friday, along with mallards and mixed dabblers (notably shovelers and gadwalls).  The cold weather forecast for SK, MB, ND, and northern MN should bring additional influxes of ducks to the state in the next week.