Snow is not really our forte in SE Texas. The Inuit of Alaska are said to have 50 to 50 words for snow. We have one. Snow.
The Weather Channel has given the name of this month's blizzard Winter Storm Olive. If we're going to name tropical storms apparently we're going to name winter storms as well. Should you have occasion to speak, email or text someone from northern or colder climes and the topic of their lousy weather comes up, control your arrogance about hitting 80 in February and show off what you know about snow. The information below is provided by the 2023 Farmers Almanac, written by Natalie LaVolpe.
Snow Myths Explained
Contrary to popular belief, two snowflakes can be alike!
In 1988 a scientist at the National Center for Atmosphere Research found two identical crystals during a storm in Wisconsin. However these snowflakes were only a few molecules wide.
The myth still holds up when it comes to larger snowflakes—ones that you would see drifting in the air. No two complex snowflakes are alike.
Do large snowflakes mean it’s only a passing flurry?
Possibly, but not necessarily. It means that the temperature in the upper atmosphere is warmer. If temperatures continue to rise, it could mean that the snow will stop forming.
A classic bit of weather lore states “Big Snow, Little Snow. Little Snow, Big Snow.” Farmers’ Almanac Editor Peter Geiger explains: “The smaller the snowflake, the colder the conditions and the more powerful the system—which leads to a large amount of accumulations. So small snowflakes mean greater accumulations. Big snowflakes have lots of moisture and either melt or cling together upon contact and do not build up during the storm. So if you see big wet snowflakes there should be less snow accumulating from this storm.”
Snow may fall when temperatures are above the freezing.
Snow forms in the clouds where temperatures are freezing. However it can theoretically fall when the ground surface temperatures are in the mid-40s, sometimes even higher. (See below!)
Snow is translucent—not white.
While we may dream of a White Christmas, this isn’t technically accurate. It reflects up to 90 percent of the light, with no color absorbed, therefore it is the light reflecting off the fallen snow that makes it appear to be white. Dust, pollution, and algae may make it seem to be blue, black, or even pink., this isn’t technically accurate. It reflects up to 90 percent of the light, with no color absorbed, therefore it is the light reflecting off the fallen snow that makes it appear to be white. Dust, pollution, and algae may make it seem to be blue, black, or even pink.
A yodel won’t cause an avalanche.
While several things can trigger an avalanche, noise isn’t one of them. Weight, such as a sudden flood of snow, sudden high wind speeds, or even the agitable footsteps of a skier can prompt a sudden cascade, but loud noises, such as yodeling, won’t have much effect and are merely fictional plot devices in movies.
Fun Facts
There are 35 types of snowflakes.
The air temperature determines a snowflake’s shape. SmithsonianMagazine.com provides a link to a great infographic that shows all the kinds here.
Dust or pollen is required.
Snowflakes form around tiny bits of dust or pollen in the air. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, snow is a mineral. It is a naturally occurring solid, formed inorganically, with a definite chemical composition.
Snowflakes grow on their way down.
On their decent to earth through humid air, more water vapor freezes onto the surface of the crystal, enlarging their hexagonal pattern.
Snowflakes travel up to 9 miles per hour.
Depending on the environmental conditions, snowflakes can fall to Earth from 1-9 mph. It takes one snowflake roughly an hour to reach the ground.
Does it affect outdoor sounds?
Freshly fallen snow absorbs sounds waves, making everything sound hushed after a flurry. Once it melts and refreezes however, the ice can make the sound waves travel even further.
More Bizarre Facts
It can be 100 degrees warmer inside an igloo!
Snow is a great insulator. It’s made of 90-95 percent trapped air which prevents the transfer of heat. Warmed entirely by body heat, an igloo can be 100 degrees warmer than the outside environment. This is why animals will dig deep holes the snow for hibernation.
photo: Getty Images