Middle of December 2015 and at my place in NW Wisconsin I see a lot of grass. Good thing the 4 wheeler runs.
I've been recreating the NW WI (Webb Lake and Minong) area my whole life. I keep a weather journal...not to sound like a weather geek...but if history is any indication, whenever it doesn't snow 6"-8" by Christmas, then it will also not be enough snow for trails by mid-January. Hec, forget about snow, this is the latest I've ever seen open water in NW WI. Can't even ice fish, eh.
Strong El Nino years makes northern Iowa and MN, WI warmer than normal. Warmer air holds more moisture. If you look at the rain this month for MN, IA, WI area... if it were all snow it would be 4-6 feet in areas.
"if"