Preserving Snow from January to June: The Science & Tactics

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Wrongfellow
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SUMMARY

Preserving snow from January to June requires understanding the physical processes that transform snow into ice. Sealing snow in a plastic zip lock bag does not prevent moisture from causing sublimation and condensation, leading to the formation of solid ice instead of fluffy snow. Freezer temperatures must remain consistently below 0°C, but defrost cycles can cause slight warming, exacerbating the issue. To achieve the desired fluffy snow consistency, using a blender to break up the ice before throwing is recommended.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sublimation and condensation processes
  • Knowledge of freezer temperature settings and defrost cycles
  • Familiarity with the properties of snow and ice
  • Experience with food storage techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods to maintain consistent freezer temperatures
  • Learn about the effects of moisture on frozen substances
  • Explore techniques for preserving snow-like textures in frozen foods
  • Investigate the use of blenders for recreating fluffy textures in frozen ingredients
USEFUL FOR

Individuals interested in food preservation, culinary enthusiasts, and anyone looking to recreate the experience of throwing snowballs during summer months.

Wrongfellow
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When the last snow fell I picked some up and put it in the freezer,
sealed in a plastic bag to keep moisture out. I hoped I'd be able to
get it out in the summer and throw a snowball at someone on the
hottest day of the year.

It didn't work. After a few months in the freezer the snow turned to
ice, and throwing a lump of ice at somebody isn't funny.

Basically I'd like to be able to preserve a handful of snow from
January until June, and be able to get it out again in the same fluffy
condition it was in when I picked it up. How can I achieve this?

What physical processes are responsible for turning the snow to ice?
I thought I'd protected it against moisture from the air, by sealing
the snow in a plastic "zip lock" bag. Maybe my freezer isn't cold
enough? How cold does it need to be?
 
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The problem most likely arises from your freezer going through defrosting cycles. It gets just warm enough for the snow to melt slightly but not enough for things kept in the freezer to thaw. Then when the freezer goes back into normal mode, the slightly wet snow refreezes into a solid mass.
 
There's a potential problem even if the freezer doesn't ever get above 0°C. Equilibrium between the frozen snow and the water vapor in the bag means that ice will continually sublimate and condense while the snowball sits in the freezer. And there's no guarantee that the new ice crystals will form as light, fluffy snowflakes. In fact, it seems more likely that they'll deposit layers of solid ice.
 
Put it in a blender when you want to toss it at someone.