Typically, the largest snowstorms in this region occur in the month of January.  It was January 1914 that proved to be a record breaker with 93 inches of snowfall that month. It also happen to be a rainy month with  9 inches of rain. In all, the total precipitation for the month was 18.17 inches.

The weather conditions was problematic for the completion of the Fernley & Lassen Railroad to Westwood. Due to the weather whiplash of rain and snow, the soil became saturated and prone mud slides in the Susan River Canyon. Railroad officials, of course, had a lot to worry about, as the construction with the Red River Lumber Company had a completion date to Westwood by. March 1.

In a related railroad matter was the NCO train delays due to frequent wash outs of the track. The US Postal Service had a  contact with the NCO to deliver mail originating from the East. Since the NCO had a poor delivery record of the mail, the Postal Service  by mid-February ordered all mail would be re-routed via the Fernley & Lassen. Many residents of the Honey Lake Valley rejoiced after this announcement, as regular mail delivery would be six days week.

Tim

P.S. – It should noted the other spectrum, there would be dry Januarys in which no snowfall occurred that month. I do know from records searched those rare years occurred in 1893 and 1912. The latter was so mild that baseball games were routinely held.