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Fact or Fiction? Breaking Down Snow Myths and Quirky Truths

Warning road sign before ice break. Snowy road at winter.
Warning road sign before ice break. Snowy road at winter. Image by vchalup2 via Depositphotos.

Snow has always fascinated people with its beauty and mystery. Myths about snowflakes, strange facts, and record-breaking snow events have been passed down through generations. In this post, we’ll explore these myths and facts, shedding light on the truth behind the snow that blankets our world. You might just discover something surprising about this winter wonder.

Snowflakes: Are They Really Unique?

Beautiful winter landscape with snow covered trees
Beautiful winter landscape with snow covered trees. Image by soleg via Depositphotos.

The idea that no two snowflakes are alike is widespread, but it’s not entirely true. In 1988, scientists found two identical snowflakes, though they were only a few molecules wide. Larger, complex snowflakes, however, remain unique. The uniqueness of snowflakes lies in the infinite number of ways that water molecules can align themselves as they freeze, creating endless patterns.

Large Snowflakes and Weather Myths

Wet snowfall on window glass.
Wet snowfall on window glass. Image by vvoennyy via Depositphotos.

There’s a belief that large snowflakes mean a storm will soon end. While this might be true in some cases, it’s not a hard rule. Large snowflakes form when the temperature is warmer, and this can indicate the storm might be losing strength. However, weather is unpredictable, and large snowflakes don’t always signal the end of snowfall.

Snow Can Fall in Above-Freezing Temperatures

Wet main road due to wet snowfall weather during winter.
Wet main road due to wet snowfall weather during winter. Image by Alpegor6 via Depositphotos.

Snow typically forms in clouds where temperatures are below freezing, but it can fall even when the ground temperature is above freezing. As long as the air temperature higher up is cold enough, snow can survive its journey to the ground. This explains how snow can sometimes fall when it feels too warm for snow on the ground.

The True Color of Snow

Dry winter snow weather
Dry winter snow weather. Image by shaman1006 via Depositphotos.

While snow appears white, it’s actually translucent. Snow’s white appearance is due to the reflection of light. Snow reflects up to 90% of the light that hits it, scattering the light in all directions, making it look white. In certain conditions, snow can even appear blue, pink, or black due to the presence of dust, pollution, or algae.

Debunking the Avalanche Myth

A snow-covered tree branch in a winter forest during a blizzard
A snow-covered tree branch in a winter forest during a blizzard. Image by MVolodymyr via Depositphotos.

Despite what movies show, noise doesn’t cause avalanches. Avalanches are triggered by a sudden overload of weight on an unstable snowpack, often due to snowfall, wind, or the movement of skiers. The idea that a shout or yodel can cause an avalanche is more fiction than fact, perpetuated by dramatic storytelling rather than science.

How Snow Insulates

Snow drift on roof
Snow drift on roof after two days of snowfalls. Image by a_oldman via Depositphotos.

Snow is an excellent insulator because it traps air in its structure. This trapped air prevents heat from escaping, which is why animals burrow into snow to stay warm and why igloos can be surprisingly cozy. The insulating properties of snow explain how an igloo can maintain warmth even in the harshest winter conditions.

The Science Behind Snowflake Shapes

Snowflake
Snowflake. Image by Aaron Burden via Unsplash

Snowflakes come in many shapes, determined by the temperature and humidity as they form. There are 35 recognized types of snowflakes, each with a unique structure. As snowflakes fall, they continue to grow and change shape, depending on the conditions they encounter. This constant change contributes to the endless variety of snowflake patterns.

The Surprising Speed of Snowflakes

A heavy blizzard and snow on the road in Rabka Zdroj, Poland.
A heavy blizzard and snow on the road in Rabka Zdroj, Poland. Image by agneskantaruk via Depositphotos.

Snowflakes may seem to drift slowly to the ground, but they can actually fall at speeds of up to 9 miles per hour. The speed depends on factors like the size of the snowflake and the wind conditions. Larger snowflakes tend to fall faster, while smaller ones take their time, floating gently through the air.

Snow and Sound: A Quiet Connection

Portrait of adorable kid blowing onto snow ball in hands in winter
Portrait of adorable kid blowing onto snow ball in hands in winter. Image by AllaSerebrina via Depositphotos.

Fresh snow has a remarkable ability to absorb sound, creating a hushed environment after a snowfall. This is due to the porous nature of snow, which traps sound waves. However, once snow melts and refreezes, it can become hard and reflective, causing sound to travel farther than usual, creating an entirely different acoustic experience.

Record-Breaking Snow Events

Snowstorm
Snowstorm, poor visibility,slick roads and lots of traffic via depositphotos

Snow has set some incredible records. The largest snowflake ever recorded measured 15 inches in diameter and fell in Fort Keogh, Montana, in 1887. The deepest snow ever recorded in the U.S. was 452 inches in Tamarack, California, in 1911. These records show just how extreme and varied snow events can be.

Snow Myths in Pop Culture

Snowy path in the woods of New England.
Snowy path in the woods. Image by katkami via Depositphotos.

Many snow myths have been popularized by movies and stories. From avalanches caused by a single loud noise to the idea of endless unique snowflakes, these myths add to the allure and mystery of snow. While they may not always be scientifically accurate, they contribute to the rich cultural tapestry surrounding this natural phenomenon.

Conclusion

Warm winter morning with drifts of snow.
Warm winter morning with drifts of snow. Image by Dasny via Depositphotos.

Snow is more than just frozen water falling from the sky; it’s a source of wonder, myths, and record-breaking events. From the science behind snowflake formation to the surprising truths about avalanches and sound absorption, snow continues to captivate our imagination. The next time you find yourself in a snowstorm, remember these facts and myths, and share them with a friend.

Latest posts by Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography (see all)