Massive Snow Pile Burying Car Estimated to Melt by Mid-May

Calculations show the 15-foot snow pile will take until early to mid-May to fully disappear under average weather conditions.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:23pm

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A car buried under a massive 15-foot snow pile in a Kalamazoo, Michigan parking lot is estimated to be freed by early to mid-May, according to calculations based on average daily temperatures, sunshine, and rainfall for the remainder of winter and spring.

Why it matters

The growing size of snow piles in parking lots across the region has become a common sight, raising questions about when these towering mounds will finally melt away. This analysis provides a data-driven estimate for when one particularly large pile could clear, offering insight into the timeline for when buried vehicles and other obstructions might reappear.

The details

Using a formula that accounts for average daily temperatures, sunshine, and rainfall, meteorologists estimate the 15-foot snow pile will melt at a rate of about 22 inches per month in March, 99 inches in April, and 60 inches in the first 10 days of May. This would result in the entire pile disappearing by early to mid-May, assuming average weather conditions prevail.

  • The snow pile is currently about 12 feet tall and is estimated to grow to 15 feet by the end of winter.
  • By the end of March, about 22 inches of the pile is expected to melt.
  • In April, around 99 inches of the pile is expected to melt.
  • In the first 10 days of May, an additional 60 inches of the pile is expected to melt.
  • The entire 15-foot pile is estimated to fully melt by early to mid-May.

The players

Collin Rogers

A meteorologist who conducted the analysis and reported on the story for WWMT.

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What they’re saying

“It truly is a guessing game to determine when this snow pile will vanish.”

— Collin Rogers, Meteorologist

What’s next

The weather in the coming months will be the key factor in determining if the snow pile melts faster or slower than the estimated timeline. Meteorologists will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the pile gradually disappears.

The takeaway

This analysis highlights the challenges faced by communities dealing with massive snow piles that can bury cars and other obstructions for months. While the timeline is an estimate, it provides a data-driven projection for when this particular pile is likely to fully melt under average weather conditions, helping residents plan accordingly.