Why Does Snow Pack Better Near the Melting Point?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the optimal conditions for packing snow to create a snowman, specifically emphasizing that snow packs best when temperatures are just above freezing. The unique properties of water, including its expansion upon freezing, play a crucial role in this process. Participants share personal experiences, noting that wet snow, which typically occurs near the melting point, is essential for effective packing. The conversation also highlights misconceptions about snow packing, with some contributors arguing that the wetness of the snow is more significant than temperature alone.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics, particularly phase changes of water.
  • Familiarity with the properties of snow, including wet and dry snow characteristics.
  • Knowledge of basic meteorological concepts related to temperature and precipitation.
  • Experience with snow-related activities, such as building snowmen or snowball fights.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the thermodynamic properties of water and how they affect snow formation.
  • Explore the relationship between snow moisture content and temperature for optimal packing.
  • Investigate the physics of snowball formation and the role of pressure in snow compaction.
  • Learn about different types of snow and their implications for winter activities.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for winter sports enthusiasts, meteorologists, educators teaching about phase changes, and anyone interested in the science behind snow and its properties.

  • #151
sbrothy said:
I'm impressed that we had to come this far into the thread for someone to offer an actual explanation! :smile:
The post uou quoted was only 12 days after the inception of the thread. Although that was seven years ago.
 
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  • #152
Oh. *cough* I really should get a pair of glasses. I have to admit my age.
 
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  • #153
DSCF7072.webp
 
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  • #154
The above is a photo of a 4'6" snowman that I made today, Monday 11-10-25, in Chicago. It is the first one for this season. We had about 3" of snow overnight, but at first the snow was too cold to pack. I waited a couple hours until things warmed up above freezing around noon, and it packed very well.
 
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  • #155
Yesterday I built a snowman for the first time this millenium.

Grandkids were going stir crazy and every else was too busy or too grumpy to go outside in the first snowfall.

And what crazy weather. Nov 9, and fall still hadn't come and hte trees were still fully leaved. It must have come and gone in the middle of the night. The trees are still heavily covered in leaves even while coated in three inches of snow.

20251109_162108.webp
 
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  • #156
Granddaughter: "Poopah, can we build a snowman?"
Poopah: "🎵 DO YOU WANNA 🎵BUILD A SNOWMAAAAAAA—"
Granddaughter: "NO Poopah! Not THAT kind of snowman!"
Poopah: "But ... Olaf ... Frozen? ..."
Granddaughter:"No. Just a regular snowman."
Poopah (visibly deflated): "Sure, sure..."
Grandson: :muffled Kenny McCormick noises:
 
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  • #157
I don't know what it's like elsewhere, but we didn't get fall here.

The trees were still green as October turned into November. They've changed colour now, but haven't fallen. And now we've gotten walloped with a snowstorm that's left 3" of accumulation.

Now we've got fully leaved trees in bright golds, yellows and reds, laden with 3" in heavy, clinging snow.
 
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  • #158
@DaveC426913 I am still waiting to see most of the geese fly south. I don't think most of them have gone south yet. If they did, I missed them.
 
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  • #160
The above is a photo of a 5'0" snowman I made today, Sunday Nov. 30, 2025 in Chicago. We had about 8" of snow yesterday, but I had to wait until early this morning for the temperature to get above 32 degrees for any good packing. The snow packed fairly well with temperatures at 33 degrees for about two hours.
 
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  • #162
The above is a photo of a 3'8" "snowlady" I made today, December 7, 2025, in Chicago, along with the snowman that is still there from November 30 that now measures 4'4" tall. Packing conditions were fair today with temperatures around 32 degrees with no sunshine.
 
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  • #164
The above is a photo of a 4'0" snowman that I made today, New Year's Eve 2025, in Chicago. We had about a half inch of snow, but packing was ideal with temperatures slightly above freezing.
 
  • #165
Charles Link said:
1767211175963.webp
A photo of a snowman and Charles Link (left).
 
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