Why should anyone care about different types of snowflakes and ice crystals?
Here's why! Check these pictures of a few avalanche disasters and close calls:
Avalanches happen when snowpack suddenly gives way and snow slides down a mountain, incline or across a road or highway.
Avalanche size can range from very small and harmless to so large they could bury people, break trees and buildings, or knock over automobiles and railroad train cars!
Here is a good link that explains about the Types of Spring and Summer Avalanches
They also issue warnings to mountain hikers and skiers to potentially dangerous snow conditions.
Another reason to find out about snow crystal type is because very heavy snow can cause roofs of houses and buildings to cave in, make tree limbs snap and break power lines.
Snowstorms develop when warm, moist air collides with cold air. Blizzards are heavy falling snow storms that come with high winds that blow the snow so hard sometimes you can't see anything around you.
Blizzards are very dangerous snow conditions for people driving cars or trucks or flying in airplanes.
The best place to be in a blizzard is at home in front of a warm fireplace!
Blizzard! Definition from Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia
Ski resorts and other winter vacation spots depend upon heavy snowfall and blizzards to keep their ski slopes packed full of good, soft, skiable snow. When they don't get enough snow, some resorts make their own snow with snow-making machines!
Make a Snowflake Science Search to learn more about Snow and Ice formation.
