The study analyzed winter precipitation in northern Xinjiang Region from 1961 to 2009. It found that winter precipitation varied across the region, with the west having the most. The amount of precipitation increased over time, especially in heavy snowfall. There were distinct patterns of precipitation variation every 6 to 14 years. Continuous precipitation events lasting 2 days or more made up about half of all winter precipitation, with the west of northern Xinjiang Region and the north of Altay Prefecture experiencing the most. Continuous precipitation is increasing, particularly in the Yili River valley.