MINNEAPOLIS, MN — November 2025 — The Upper Midwest is gearing up for a colder and snowier winter than usual, with forecasts from the National Weather Service and AccuWeather pointing to below-average temperatures and above-normal precipitation across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and neighboring states.
That combination, experts say, creates ideal conditions for one of winter’s most costly home hazards: roof ice dams.
A new educational article from Ice Dam USA, What Causes Ice Dams?, explains how the freeze-thaw cycle on roofs leads to the buildup of ice ridges that trap melting snow, forcing water back under shingles and into ceilings and walls.
While the phenomenon is common anywhere temperatures hover around freezing, it’s most destructive in the snow-belt corridor stretching from the Dakotas and Minnesota through Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
According to the National Weather Service, ice dams “are most common in northern climates” when attic heat loss melts roof snow that then refreezes along eaves. Property underwriters note that damage claims tied to ice dams routinely reach several thousand dollars per incident.
“Every cold-weather homeowner in this region should understand how ice dams form,” said a representative from Ice Dam USA, a Minnesota-based company specializing in low-pressure steam removal. “When we see alternating snowfalls and brief warm-ups, that’s the recipe. It’s not just about snow depth—it’s about the daily temperature swings that trigger melt and refreeze.”
Meteorologists predict that Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Michigan will experience frequent snow events and extended cold snaps this season. The KSTP Minnesota forecast, echoing NOAA’s weather outlook for the 2025-2026 season, calls for “colder-than-average temperatures and more snow than normal,” while AccuWeather highlights the Midwest and Great Lakes as zones of heightened storm activity.
As regional weather patterns tilt colder, homeowners across the Upper Midwest are urged to treat roof maintenance and attic insulation checks as part of early-winter preparation.
Ice Dam USA’s educational guide underscores that small preventive steps—proper ventilation, sealed attic bypasses, and careful snow management—can dramatically reduce risk before water damage begins.
“Once a ceiling leak appears, the damage is already done,” the spokesperson added. “The goal is to help homeowners recognize the warning signs early and know what safe removal actually looks like.”
Why This Matters
With winter intensifying across Minnesota and its neighboring states, awareness of ice dam formation and safe mitigation methods has become a seasonal necessity.
Educating homeowners on prevention helps protect property, reduce emergency claims, and ensure safer homes across the snow-belt.
