Snowflakes & Shenanigans: A Tour Through the Types of Snow in North Dakota

Brace yourselves, folks! More snow is rolling in, and while many of us might grumble about the shoveling ahead, there’s something magical about watching those flakes fall. For years, I thought snow was just snow – one big, white, wintry blanket. But guess what? There are types of snow, and each one has its quirks, according to Acurite!

Wet Snow
Think of wet snow as the heavy lifter of the snow family. When temperatures hover around freezing, these flakes get sticky, forming big, beautiful snowflakes. The kind that makes you feel like you’re in a snow globe. But be warned – that beauty comes with heft. An inch per hour of this dense delight can pile up fast!

Powdery Snow
Ah, powdery snow, the fluffy stuff that dreams are made of. This snow falls when the air is colder and drier, making it perfect for those epic snowball fights and powdery landings on the ski slopes. It's less clumpy and more airy, making it the dainty ballerina of the snow world.

Light Snow
Ever been caught in a snowfall where you can still see down the street? That’s light snow. It takes its sweet time to accumulate, making you wait hours for just an inch. It’s the snow equivalent of a gentle whisper, perfect for a leisurely winter stroll.

Spring Snow
Don’t be fooled – spring snow can pack a punch! It comes with moisture galore and has been known to cause some legendary blizzards. It’s the kind that sneaks up on you in March or April, just when you’ve packed away your winter gear.

Graupel
This one’s a wildcard! Graupel, or snow pellets, looks like tiny Styrofoam balls and feels just as peculiar. It’s not quite sleet, not quite hail, but somewhere in between. Fun to see, and even more fun to try and explain!

So next time the snow starts falling, take a moment to ponder which type is gracing your yard – and maybe, just maybe, enjoy it a little more!