‘Tis the season: Airmen predict Dover AFB’s first snowfall Published Nov. 7, 2022 By Roland Balik 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Team Dover Airmen made their predictions when the base would receive its first measurable snowfall of the 2022-2023 winter season. Historically, the base has experienced significant snowfall amounts around mid-January and mid-February. Last year’s first snowfall occurred in January from Winter Storm Frida, which dumped more than eight inches of snow in the Dover, Delaware, area.The 436th Operations Support Squadron weather flight established criteria for the winning prediction as being the first day to receive a single snowfall that reaches a quarter-inch or more recorded by the weather flight.“The weather flight as a whole has chosen Dec. 18 when the first snowfall will occur,” said Staff Sgt. Jazmine Fulmore, 436th OSS weather flight airfield weather services noncommissioned officer in charge. She chose Jan. 5, 2023, as her individual prediction.On February 18, 2003, heavy snowfall collapsed two of six sections used as cargo processing bays at the 436th Aerial Port Squadron, resulting in more than an estimated $1 million in damage.Team Dover Airmen have varying opinions about snow.“[I] love it,” said Maj. Nicholas Martini, 436th Airlift Wing chief innovation officer. “[I] grew up playing ice hockey and there’s no better sport.” Martini, who hails from Cleveland, Ohio, chose Dec. 29 for Dover’s first snowfall. Team Dover Airmen prepare months in advance for any snow-related weather incident that might occur, ensuring the Dover AFB mission of rapid global mobility gets executed.Historically, 2002, 2009 and 2013, have been the snowiest seasons with 68.3, 63.4 and 44 inches of snow recorded respectively for those years. February 2009 produced 35.4 inches of snow, making it the largest amount in one month recorded at the base in the past 21 years.