A "Blanket" of Snow?
YES! Snow is a great insulator! The air trapped between the individual flakes makes a natural barrier to block heat transfer. Igloos constructed from snow blocks are actually cozy when heated on the inside. Ten inches of fresh snow with a density of 0.07 inches, seven percent water, is approximately equal to a six-inch-layer of fiberglass insulation with an insulation R-value of R-18.

"Thundersnow"?
If you've never experienced this phenomenon, you've missed a really neat event! Growing up in Buffalo, NY, Cheryl's seen it frequently. Strong low pressure systems with rapid upward development will produce lightning and heavy snow together. Snow may fall at the rate of up to 5" per hour!

Not too warm... Not too cold... but "Just Right"
Many people believe that the temperature needs to be at or below freezing for it to snow - not so! Although the snow may melt when it hits the surface, snow may be seen falling from clouds when the temperature is as high as 35 or 36 degrees Fahrenheit. As for the idea that "it's too cold to snow" - not necessarily! As long as a weather system can find a source of moisture, snow is possible even in very cold temperatures. Often, though, these cold temperatures rob the air of the moisture source needed to produce precipitation.

A word about Jack Frost ...
The mythical Jack shows up in many Western cultures, and is credited with leaving beautiful artworks on windowpanes and autumn leaves as the year nears the end. In Norse mythology, he's known as "Jokul" (icicle) or "Frosti" (Frost) - hence, "Jokul Frosti" or Jack (Jock) Frost. Russian folklore personifies the same character as "Father Frost", a smith who binds earth and water together in chains. German folklore adds a different twist with the tradition of an old woman who causes snow to fall by shaking out her featherbed!

Average December Snowfall (in inches) for Some US Cities

Don't see your city? Visit the National Climatic Data Center for an extensive list.

A Myth Exploded!
Based on National Weather Service records for 1961 through 1990, Rochester, New York averages 94 inches of snow annually and is the snowiest large city in the United States. Its annual municipal snow-removal budget in 1995 was $3.7 million. Contrary to popular belief, Buffalo, New York, is only a close runner-up. A 39-inch snowfall in 24 hours in early December 1995 cost the city nearly $5 million for snow removal!

Open another present or go back home

"Let It Snow!"