14 " of Lake Effect Snow to 4"

[Midwest Player]

Over the days between Dec 5th thru Dec 7th we received about 14 inches of lake effect snow. When I look out in my yard now that snow has settled down to about 4 inches remaining. Some has melted, and some evaporated, but I think most of the reduction is due to the fluffy lake effect snow just settling down.

Anyway, I noticed something real strange. Wed of this week was a cloudy day. It was only a little above freezing, but there was a lot of melting. Water was dripping from my roof, signs of melting on the roads. However the last few days had clear skies, but very little sign of any melting. However, it was much warmer than it was on cloudy Wed. The temps reached 45 today with clear skies, but no sign of melting. The icicles were not dripping on my roof. No signs of melting on the roads. I'm wondering if the clear skies are having a impact on the melting, and if so why?

 

[snoluver1]

I suspect your melt rates are directly related to humidity/dew point levels. A clear sky in winter generally implies lower humidity, therfore less melting. Try posting in the ask John section. I'm sure he could give you a much more thorough answer.