Why Does Snow Pack Better Near the Melting Point?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of snow packing effectively near the melting point, with participants sharing personal observations, experiences, and theories related to snow density and construction of snowmen. The scope includes both conceptual and experiential aspects of snow behavior in varying temperatures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Personal anecdotes

Main Points Raised

  • One participant observes that snow packs better above freezing temperatures, suggesting that pressure applied to snow near the melting point causes it to melt slightly and then re-solidify, aiding in packing.
  • Another participant notes that when snow is colder, even slightly below freezing, it becomes difficult to pack effectively for making snowmen.
  • Several participants share personal experiences of building snowmen, emphasizing the conditions under which snow packs well or poorly.
  • There are mentions of the effects of temperature on snow density and packing efficiency, with anecdotal evidence supporting the idea that warmer snow is easier to work with.
  • Some participants recount their experiences with snow in different climates, highlighting the variability in snow types and packing conditions based on geographic location.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that snow packs better near the melting point, but there is no consensus on the underlying physics, as some explanations are challenged or refined throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the thermodynamic principles involved, and there are references to differing experiences with snow based on climate and geography, which may influence perspectives on snow packing.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those curious about snow physics, snowman construction techniques, and the effects of temperature on snow behavior, particularly in varying climates.

  • #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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  • #159
DSCF7073.webp
 
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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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  • #161
DSCF7074.webp
 
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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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  • #163
DSCF7079.webp
 
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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.
 
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  • #165
Charles Link said:
1767211175963.webp
A photo of a snowman and Charles Link (left).
 
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  • #166
DSCF7082.webp
 
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  • #167
The above is a photo of a 4'8" snowman that I made today, Friday 1-16-26, in Chicago. The snow was too cold to pack this morning with temperatures below freezing, but around noon it warmed up to 37 degrees and packing conditions were ideal.
 
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  • #168
DSCF7084.webp
 
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  • #169
Happy Groundhog Day 2-2-26. The above is a photo of the snowman that I have in my backyard. It now measures about one inch over 4'0". It has been there for over two weeks. It did not see its shadow today in Chicago. Let's hope winter is almost over. :)
 
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