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**Average Frequency** | **Valley Floor** | **Benches** | **Characteristics of storm** | |
**CAT 1-
TYPICAL** | 25 to 35 per yr. | .1" to 2" | .1" to 3" | 68% of all snowstorms fall in this category. Minor inconvenience, considered a routine snowstorm. |
**CAT 2-
INCONVENIENT** | 7 to 10 per yr. | 2" to 4" | 3 to 6" | 20% of all snowstorms fall in this category. Traffic slowed at times. There is usually an increase in traffic accidents. |
**CAT 3-
SIGNIFICANT** | 3 to 5 per yr. | 4" to 8" | 6" to 12" | 10% of all snowstorms fall in this category. This is usually a dangerous storm, with traffic significantly slowed. |
**CAT 4-
MAJOR** | 1 in 2 yrs. | 8" to 12" | 12" to 21" | 2% of all snowstorms fall in this category. Loss of electrical service is typical in Fall or late Spring with trees in leaf. Some roads become impassible. Schools and business may choose to close at the high end of this category. |
**CAT 5-
PARALYZING** | 1 in 15 to 25 yrs. | 12" + | 21" + | About 1/10 of 1% of storms are in this category. Many roads close, travel is usually dangerous if even possible. Schools should close. Loss of electrical service occurs frequently. |
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