Fun Facts About Snow

We often hear people talk about “wet snow” vs “dry snow”, but what does all this talk really mean?  The density of snow varies as a function of the temperature.  Most of our wet snow occurs when the temperatures are near freezing in PBL (The planetary boundary layer is the lowest layer of the troposphere where wind is influenced by friction) or when soil surface temperatures are above freezing.  Wet snow is partially melted, which increases its density.  Kids love this type of snow since it is great for snowballs and snowmen.  However, it is a little more difficult to shovel but will not drift and blow around. 

Dry snow occurs when the temperatures are warmest in the PBL and the soil surface temperature is below freezing.  This type of snow is not very dense so it can accumulate much faster and to a higher depth.  This type of snow is notorious for drifting, but is typically easier to shovel.  The flakes of dry snow tend to be smaller but there are more of them.