Let's Put To Bed That Colder Temps Always Mean Higher Ratios, Poster Event 1/28-1/29 Added.

[zenmsav6810]

Calling on my mechanical engineering understanding of water crystallization, higher ratios will TYPICALLY form in colder environments and form nice large dendrites (high surface area to air). Pressurization also would play some role in the crystallization process. As for melt ratios that's largely dependent on the surface area of ice crystals to its air surroundings. The higher that ratio the more chance the snow will have to interact with warm air, hence melting faster. Melt rate is also affected by the density of ice, which is largely a function of temperature and pressure. Wikipedia has a very nice article on "ice" for those of you who would like to learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice      Ice can take over 15 different forms most of which are not formed naturally on Earth. 

[famartin]

Calling on my mechanical engineering understanding of water crystallization, higher ratios will TYPICALLY form in colder environments and form nice large dendrites (high surface area to air). Pressurization also would play some role in the crystallization process. As for melt ratios that's largely dependent on the surface area of ice crystals to its air surroundings. The higher that ratio the more chance the snow will have to interact with warm air, hence melting faster. Melt rate is also affected by the density of ice, which is largely a function of temperature and pressure. Wikipedia has a very nice article on "ice" for those of you who would like to learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice      Ice can take over 15 different forms most of which are not formed naturally on Earth. 

 

This will tell you a lot about snow:water ratios, you'll find some things here which are interesting and perhaps surprising.  Particularly pages 23-24.

 

http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/snowfcst/snow.pdf

[KamuSnow]

March 3rd event. Despite extra surface cold, my ratio's were exactly 10:1. Received 1.9" snow equalling .19" liquid.

 

I found the same thing here, the snow was obviously dry and powdery, but dense.

[zenmsav6810]

This will tell you a lot about snow:water ratios, you'll find some things here which are interesting and perhaps surprising.  Particularly pages 23-24.

 

http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/snowfcst/snow.pdf

Thanks Ray, looks like some quality science here. 

[Rainshadow]

This will tell you a lot about snow:water ratios, you'll find some things here which are interesting and perhaps surprising.  Particularly pages 23-24.

 

http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/snowfcst/snow.pdf

Wes Junker!