no shadow = early spring?

We've had record snowfalls here in the northeast.  It's awful.  I keep trying to console myself with the fact that snow is a really good insulator for plants, better than any winter mulch.

Before - My "assistant" and I putting in the raspberry bushes in October

And after - nothing like 4 feet of "insulation" with an icy crust on top!

My plans for a very early sowing (using row covers) of cool weather plants is not looking too likely at this point.