"SNOW" Much to Learn About Snow

Snow is much more than white, wet and cold. There are many unusual facts about snow that make it unique and one of the more complex types of precipitation.

• Although snow appears white because of the countless tiny surfaces of each snowflake crystal reflecting most the wavelengths of light, snowflakes are actually colorless. Snow may take on other colors thanks to particulates (microscopic solids or liquid droplets) in the air or even from different strains of algae.
• Many places around the world hold certain world records pertaining to snow. The most snow to fall in a 24-hour period occurred in 1921 in Silver Lake, Colorado. It received 76 inches of snow. That's over six feet!
• Snowflakes come in many different shapes, and their sizes are determined by how many ice crystals connect together.
• The largest snowflakes ever recorded fell in the state of Montana. The snowflakes were 15 inches in diameter.
• The average snowflake falls at a speed of 3.1 miles per hour.
• Snow that has been compacted after multiple melting and refreezing cycles is know as snow pack.
• A snow storm describes a heavy snowfall that results in several inches of snowfall. A blizzard is classified as a snow storm combined with wind, which obscures visibility.
• Snow can be heavy or light depending on its water content.
• An avalanche occurs when snow that has accumulated on a mountain is disturbed by a thermal or physical impact, which causes the snow to rush downhill in a large mass. Preceding an avalanche is a phenomenon known as an avalanche wind caused by the approaching avalanche itself, which adds to it destructive potential.

If you find these snow facts interesting, try working a crossword where all of the words begin with the word "snow." This FREE resource includes two winter crossword puzzles; each with 25 words that all begin with “snow.” One crossword includes a word bank which makes it easier to solve while the more challenging one does not. Even though the same vocabulary is used for each crossword, each grid is laid out differently. Answers keys for both puzzles are included. Click under the title page to download your free copy.