Different types of LES

[arcticgeorge]

I found it interesting that the snow from this most recent LES event in the far western UP was a real fine small whipping snow, until the end of the event when large fat flakes of snow were coming down slowly. It snowed for over 30 something hours straight but it didn't stack up nearly as much as the early Dec. LES event. What determines the large fluffy flakes from the small fine ones? Thanks again....

 

[jd]

The main factor determining snowflake size is the conditions inside what we call the "dendrite (snow) growth zone". It is the area of the atmosphere where the flakes are actually formed. Things like how much moisture is available and how long the snowflake can stay in the DGZ will determine it's size. The more moisture the larger, the longer it can stay in there and grow, the larger.

-John