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The last few years, we all have been saying and hearing, "Where is the snow?...Where is the snow?" and this year Winter snow has returned. Now, you may ask, "What's SNOW?" or perhaps, "Where is the best snow?"  Let's find out some answers to those questions.

But first, let’s look at a few FAQs on SNOW (for you non-IT nerds, FAQ stands for “Frequently Asked Questions”):

“What is SNOW?”

 According to the Princeton definition, snow is:

“Precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals”

 From the "Minnesota DNR:"

Q. How big can snowflakes get?

A. Snowflakes are agglomerates of many snow crystals. Most snowflakes are less than one-half inch across. Under certain circumstances, usually requiring near-freezing temperatures, light winds and unstable, convective atmospheric conditions, much larger and irregular flakes close to two inches across in the longest dimension can form. I have seen snowflakes as large as 2.75 inches. No routine measurements of snowflake dimensions are taken, so the exact answer is unknown. Some of this information is from the Snow Booklet by Nolan J. Doesken and Arthur Judson.

Me: So, if someone says they saw a 2.75 inch snowflake is this the same person who catches the 17.13 inch Northern? Can you imagine trying to measure a snowflake, hard enough to measure a twisting, turning Hammer Handle.

Further, here are some more FAQs from the “National Snow and Ice Center:”

Me: Is it me or does the "National Snow and Ice Center" sounds like seasonal employment? If not, is there a “National Rain and Hail Center” too?)

Q. Is it ever too cold to snow?

A. No, it can snow even at incredibly cold temperatures as long as there is some source of moisture and some way to lift or cool the air. It is true, however, that most heavy snowfalls occur with relatively warm air temperatures near the ground - typically 15°F or warmer since air can hold more water vapor at warmer temperatures.

Q. Why is snow a good insulator?

A. Fresh, undisturbed snow is composed of a high percentage of air trapped among the lattice structure of the accumulated snow crystals. Since the air can barely move, heat transfer is greatly reduced. Fresh, uncompacted snow typically is 90-95 percent trapped air.

Me: I never really understood this until the last few Winters where it was SO cold with little to no snow on the ground. Entire families were in crisis with seized up septic systems with little else to do but wait for the Spring thaw. Numerous households got creative with 5 gallon pails and totally understand the “blanket of snow” insulation analogy now.

Q. Is snow edible?

A. Clean snow is certainly edible. Snow in urban areas may contain pollutants that one should not eat but they would probably be in such low concentrations that it might not matter. Still, eating snow should be restricted to "wilderness" areas. Sometimes snow contains algae which gives it a red color. This snow can be eaten and some say it actually tastes "good" but we have never tried it.

Me: Apology in  advance for this graphic, graphic. I can’t help it, please go to our  blog for feedback. We are always interested in hearing from you and we all read it.

 

 

“Where is the best SNOW?”

There are many of you out there with several years of snow envy itching to fire up that 1974 Arctic Cat El Tigre, or blazing a trail on those new, cool, aluminum snowshoes you got for Christmas that aren’t wood and ten feet long like they were when I was a boy. So, where is the best snow located for your favorite snow related activities?

In Minnesota and Wisconsin, from their respective DNR offices, here are informative links to current snow depth and trail conditions:

Current Snow and Trail Conditions - Minnesota

Current Snow and Trail Conditions - Wisconsin

Now that you are a snow expert and know where the best snow can be found now, here is a free family idea for you. Bundle up and take your family outside to play in the snow. Then when someone around the water cooler asks what you did over the weekend, tell them your family had a blast playing with the “precipitation that fell from the clouds in the form of ice crystals. ”  Explain how you compacted the ice crystals even more into little balls and flung them at each other and finally how you stacked three larger balls on top of each other and named it “Frosty”? If they still are unimpressed, explain how a blanket of snow acts as a good insulator and get back to work.