Snow: 9 strange but true facts

Get ready to be blown away by the fascinating world of snow! Did you know that snow is actually clear, not white? Or that the largest snowflake on record was 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick? Read on to discover more strange and interesting facts about snow. 

1. Snowflakes are not all the same

While it is true that no two snowflakes are exactly alike, there are actually several different types of snowflakes, each with its own unique shape and structure. Some snowflakes are thin and lacy, while others are chunky and hexagonal.

2. Snow is actually clear

Despite its white appearance, snow is actually made up of clear ice crystals. These crystals scatter light in all directions, giving snow its characteristic white color.

3. Snow can be yellow or red

In certain conditions, snow can take on unusual colors, such as yellow or red. This can happen when the snow is contaminated with pollutants, algae, or other substances.

4. Snow is not always cold

While it is true that snow is usually associated with cold weather, snow itself is not necessarily cold. In fact, snow can actually be quite warm if it is freshly fallen and still contains a lot of heat from the atmosphere.

5. Snow can be extremely dry

Snow is made up of tiny ice crystals, and these crystals can hold very little water. As a result, snow can be extremely dry and powdery, even when it is falling heavily.

6. Snow can be very heavy

Despite its fluffy appearance, snow can be surprisingly heavy. This is because snow is made up of countless tiny ice crystals, and these crystals add up to a lot of weight. A foot of fresh snow can weigh as much as 20 pounds

7. The largest snowflake ever was 15 inches in diameter

It was observed by a rancher named Clayton Alexander in Montana in 1887. According to Alexander's account, the snowflake measured 15 inches in diameter and 8 inches thick. This is an unusually large size for a snowflake, as most snowflakes are much smaller and typically measure only a few millimeters in diameter

8. There is phenomenon called snow thunder 

When snow creates a loud, booming sound it's known as "snow thunder" or "brontide." It is caused by the sudden movement of large amounts of snow, such as when an avalanche occurs. The sound is similar to thunder and can be heard from a distance

9. There are naturally occurring snowballs

Snow rollers are a rare phenomenon that occurs when the wind blows snow across the ground and forms it into cylindrical shapes that resemble small snowballs. Snow rollers typically form under specific conditions, such as when the ground is covered in a layer of loose, powdery snow and the air temperature is just below freezing. As the wind blows, it picks up chunks of snow and rolls them across the ground. The rolling motion forms the snow into a cylindrical shape, with a hollow center. Snow rollers can range in size from a few centimeters to several feet in diameter, and are a natural wonder that is relatively uncommon

We hope you had fun discovering some of the strange and unique aspects of snow. Keep an eye out for more interesting articles on our blog, and in the meantime, don't forget to bundle up and embrace the beauty of the winter season