Fun Snow Facts For Kids

Snow is formed when water vapor in the air freezes into ice crystals, which then combine to form snowflakes. This process occurs in cold temperatures and when there is enough moisture in the air.

The first snowfall of the year is always exciting, isn’t it? You love crunching through the snow, making a snowman and hefting snowballs at your brother. By March, though, you’re probably tired of the snow and ready for spring. Have you ever wondered how snow is made, though?

Snow occurs when water vapors in the air freeze before they can turn into water. This happens when the temperature in the clouds is very cold. Snowflakes are made up of crystals of ice that have formed around bits of dirt in the air. The snowflakes start out very small and grow. Each snowflake is different and might contain up to 200 crystals.

How is Snow Made Facts

• Snow forms from water vapor in clouds.
• Cold air turns vapor to ice crystals.
• Crystals stick, creating snowflakes.
• Snowflakes have unique patterns.
• Temperature affects flake shapes.
• Flakes grow as they fall.
• Snow needs below freezing temps.
• Humidity influences snow formation.
• Light snow has less water.
• Heavy snowfall needs moist air.

How cold does it have to be to snow?

Snow falls when the air temperature is below 2 °C, not necessarily below zero. In fact, heavier snowfalls often occur between zero and 2 °C. As the temperature rises above freezing, the falling snow begins to melt, but the air around the snowflake cools during this process. Snowfall can be categorized as ‘slight,’ ‘moderate,’ or ‘heavy.’ Along with strong winds, snowfall can lead to blizzards and drifts. If the temperature is above 2 °C, the snowflake will melt and fall as sleet or rain.

‘Wet’ snow vs. ‘dry’ snow

Snowflakes are determined by the grouping of ice crystals, which is determined by air temperatures. Small, powdery snowflakes form in dry, cool air, ideal for snow sports, but prone to drifting in windy conditions. Snowflakes melt and stick together when the temperature rises above 0 °C, creating bigger, heavier flakes. The result is “wet” snow, which sticks together easily and makes great snowmen.

Fun Facts about How is Snow Made for Kids

• A blizzard happens when cold air sits near the Earth’s surface, while warm air sits above it. This mix of air combined with lots of moisture makes a blizzard. Blizzards bring snow, strong winds and cold temperatures. They can last for several days.
• Sleet is tiny rain particles that freeze on their way down. Brrr!
• Have you ever noticed a thin, white layer of ice crystals on the ground in the fall? This is frost. It happens when the air temperature drops below freezing and water droplets freeze.
• Avalanches happen when unstable sheets of snow break off a mountain slope and race downward in a river of snow. Avalanches can move faster than 245 miles per hour.

Snow Vocabulary

1. Hefting: throwing
2. Vapor: gas form
3. Crystal: a many-sided formation
4. Blizzard: severe storm
5. Droplet: tiny drop

Learn More About How is Snow Made

Check out this video about how is snow made:

A video about snow forming.

Snow Q&A

Can snow be dangerous?

Snow is lots of fun to play in, but it can be dangerous sometimes. Staying outdoors too long can cause frostbite. Roads are usually very slick during snowstorms. During the storm, it’s best to stay inside. Make sure you have some emergency supplies, like extra food, water and candles. Play board games, drink warm drinks and make some soup. Once the storm is over, you can bundle up and play outside.

Can it be too cold for snow? 

You may hear people say it’s too cold for snow. This is not true, it can snow at extremely low temperatures providing that there is some moisture in the air.

What was the heaviest snowfall recorded in the US within 24 hours? 

Silver Lake Colorado back in 1923 recorded the most snowfall in the US over a 24 hour period. It accumulated a massive 193 centimeters or over 6 feet. Imagine all that snow in such a short time.

Where in the world gets the most Avalanches?

In Europe the most avalanches occur in the Alpine regions in France, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. In the US the most avalanches occur in Alaska, Utah and Colorado. Any country that experiences heavy snowfall can be at risk of an avalanche.

Can you eat snow?

Yes you can once it’s fresh but always remember the saying “never eat yellow snow”. I will leave that to your Mom Dad or Teacher to explain.

Are all snowflakes different? 

Yes every snowflakes is different. No two snowflakes are identical just like no two people have the same fingerprints.