Quck answer
Lake effect snow is a weather phenomenon that occurs when cold air moves over a relatively warm lake surface, causing the moisture from the lake to evaporate and rise into the atmosphere. As the moist air rises, it cools and condenses into snowflakes, which are then carried by the wind towards the downwind shores of the lake. This process can result in heavy snowfall in localized areas downwind of the lake, often known as “snow belts.” Lake effect snow is common in regions with large bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes in North America.
When the days become shorter and the temperature decreases, what are you excited about? If you’re like many children, you can’t wait for the day when you wake up to see a fresh layer of white snow covering the front yard.
A snow day means a day filled with snowball fights, building a snowman, and enjoying mugs of hot chocolate. Since most children are not yet able to drive, they don’t have to worry about dangerous road conditions. They hope for a lot of snow. The more, the better!
Depending on where you live, you may receive a large amount of snow…or none at all. Generally, the farther north you live, the more likely you are to experience snow. Even in the northern parts of the United States, there are certain areas known for receiving heavy snowfalls every year.
If you want to see as much snow as possible each year, you might consider living in Michigan or New York near the shores of one of the Great Lakes. In those areas, you are most likely to experience what meteorologists refer to as lake effect snow.
Lake effect snow is exactly what it sounds like. It refers to the large snowstorms that occur as a result of the influence that the Great Lakes have on the local weather.
As large masses of cold air, typically originating from Canada, move southward, they pass over the vast open waters of the Great Lakes. Compared to the frigid Arctic air above, the waters of the Great Lakes are relatively warm. The greater the difference in temperature between the air and the lake waters, the higher the potential for heavy snowfall.
Warm moisture from the Great Lakes rises into the lowest level of the atmosphere. As this warm air rises, it forms clouds in narrow bands that can produce two to three inches of snow per hour.
Lake effect snowstorms can be challenging to predict, as they can be influenced by numerous factors. Local geography and the temperature of the surrounding land and water also play a role.
Wind can also impact lake effect snow. It is not uncommon for heavy lake effect snow to fall in one area while nearby areas just a mile or two away are sunny.
Lake effect snow is most commonly associated with the Great Lakes region of the United States. However, this phenomenon also occurs in at least two other places: the eastern shore of Hudson Bay in Canada and the western coasts of the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido off the coast of Japan.
So, how much snow can you expect during a lake effect snowstorm? A significant amount! The most intense lake effect snowstorms can produce continuous snowfall for nearly two days straight. Snow accumulation rates of up to six inches per hour have been recorded, with 24-hour totals reaching 76 inches or more!
Give It a Try
We hope you enjoyed learning about this snowy Wonder of the Day! Find a friend or family member to help you explore the following activities:
- Have you ever been told that a picture is worth a thousand words? Find out today when you go online to check out the Lake Effect Snow Conceptual Model. This visual representation of the process of lake effect snow might be helpful for those who learn better through visuals to understand what causes lake effect snow.
- How much snow can you expect during a lake effect snowstorm? A significant amount! Explore The Great Lakes’ Impressive Lake-Effect Snowfall Records to discover more about lake effect snow and how it can accumulate rapidly in a short period of time!
- Ready for a challenge? Create your own cloud with the Cloud in a jar with Calvin activity! With just a few materials and the help of an adult, you will witness a miniature version of the process of cloud formation.
Additional Resources
- http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/winter/lake_effect_snow.shtml
- http://weather.about.com/od/weatherfaqs/f/lakeeffectsnow.htm
- http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/lessons/lessons/by-broad-concept/earth-science/lake-effect-snow/
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