SNOW SCOOP: Living in Bradford, we ought to be experts in all
things related to snow, right? But for those new to this colder
climate, we pass along some information to help you brush up on
some of the lesser known facts about that four-letter word.

Our information comes from the National Snow and Ice Data Center
in Boulder, Colo., part of the University of Colorado, and an
affiliate of weather-related federal agencies.

How big can snowflakes get?

As agglomerates of many snow crystals, most snowflakes are less
than one-half inch across. Under certain conditions, usually
requiring near-freezing temperatures, light winds, and unstable
atmospheric conditions, irregular flakes close to two inches across
can form. No routine measure of snowflake dimensions are taken, so
the exact answer is not known.

Why is snow white?

Snow reflects most visible sunlight, which appears white. What
little sunlight is absorbed by snow is absorbed uniformly over the
wavelengths of visible light thus giving snow its white
appearance.

What causes the blue color that sometimes appears in snow and
ice?

Over a meter or more of distance, photons emerging from the snow
layer tend to be made up of more blue light than red light. One
example would be the blue color associated with the depths of
crevasses in glaciers. The blue light is the product of a
relatively long travel path through the snow or ice. So the color
is related to light absorption. “In simplest of terms, think of the
ice or snow layer as a filter. If it is only a centimeter thick,
all the light makes it through, but if it is a meter thick, mostly
blue light makes it through.”

Is it ever too cold to snow? No.

When is it too warm to snow?

As a general rule, snow will not form if the ground temperature
is 5 degrees Celsius (41 deg Fahrenheit).

Does snow always get fluffier as temperatures get colder?

No. Studies in the Rocky Mountains have shown that the
fluffiest, lowest density (0.01 – 0.05) snows typically fall with
light winds and temperatures near 15F. At temperatures near and
below 0F, crystals tend to be smaller, pack more closely together
as they accumulate and produce snow that may have a density
(water-to-snow ratio) of 0.10 or more.

More snow information coming soon.