Minnesota does not usually get "big dumps" of snow. The 17 inches that fell yesterday was ranked 4th in record snowfall totals for the twin cities. Minnesota is usually dry and extremely cold.
I know in Syracuse they take precautions for large snowfall events with the Carrier Dome. If memory serves they have actually deflated the Carrier Dome on purpose with large storms. Anyway, that sucker held almost 4 ft of snow last week.
From www.sports-venue.info:
"Syracuse receives significant lake-effect snows every winter from Lake Ontario. During
periods of high snowfall, the Dome will be closed and the roof fully deflated to protect it from
collapse under the weight of fallen snow. However, modifications after installation of a new
roof in 1999 allow it to reach higher temperatures. The new roof has never been deflated."