• Snow forms when water vapor in the atmosphere freezes into ice crystals.
• Snowflakes form in a variety of different shapes.
• Snow is a form of precipitation, other forms of precipitation are rain, hail and sleet.
• Light and fluffy snow is often called ‘powder’.
• Heavy snowfalls are often called ‘snowstorms’.
• Snowstorms with high winds are often called ‘blizzards’.
• Snow reflects a high level of ultraviolet radiation and can cause snow blindness (photokeratitis). Sunglasses, goggles and other eye protection help absorb the ultraviolet rays.
• A number of winter sports rely on snow, including skiing and snowboarding.
• Recreational activities such as snowball fights, tobogganing and making snowmen are also popular in the snow.
• Skis, sleds and snowmobiles are useful transport options through snow.
• Snow can lower visibility, making driving conditions dangerous.
• The highest snowfall ever recorded in a one year period was 31.1 meters (1224 inches) in Mount Rainier, Washington State, United States, between February 19, 1971 and February 18, 1972.
• Make a snowflake with this fun science experiment for kids.