Snowflake formation is affected by a variety of factors including air currents, humidity and temperature.
Particles of dirt that were trapped in the water vapor affects the weight and durability of the ice crystals.
Because of these extenuating factors, no two snowflakes are exactly alike -- though there is no scientific reason that prevents it. Snowflakes may look the same but will not have the same number of water molecules or the exact amount of oxygen and hydrogen.
Little-Known Facts About Snow & Snowflakes
The largest snowflake recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records fell at Fort Keogh, Montana and was 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick.
Scientists study snowflakes by spreading a chemical compound over a glass plate and waiting until a snowflake lands there. The compound immediately covers the snowflake and hardens. When the snowflake melts, it leaves behind a plastic case that shows its exact structure!
When combined, windblown snow and black dirt make what is called snirt.
A snow storm becomes a blizzard when visibility is under 1/4 mile and the storm continues for more than 3 hours with winds of 35 mph.
Stampede Pass, Washington averages 430 inches of snow per year. No wonder it's known as the snow capital of the United S
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