What Does the Lake-Effect Snow Machine Mean for the Great Lakes?

You may have heard a lot about the impacts of lake-effect snow lately, particularly if you live in or near the Great Lakes region. While this does not sound like a major weather event, this type of snow is often distinguished as some of the heaviest snowfall on the planet. Here is what you need to know about lake-effect snow and how dangerous it can get.

Understanding the Mechanics of Lake-Effect Snow

In the most simple terms, lake-effect snow forms when the cold air coming down from Canada moves over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes. As the world's largest collection of freshwater lakes, the Great Lakes are able to highly influence weather patterns in the region.

The moisture coming up from the lakes pairs with the temperature contrast between the air and the water to create bands of snow. These snow bands then move downwind from the lakes, generating wintry conditions in a zone from upper Michigan to upstate New York. Not surprisingly, the strongest bands of lake-effect snow happen when the flow of frigid air lingers over the longest stretch of the length of the lake.

As this happens, a single and narrow band of snow forms over the water and moves to the south. These bands of snow often come along with thunder and lightning, leading to a cornucopia of severe weather conditions. The lake-effect snow events are also highly localized. While some areas will see several inches of snow, nearby areas may miss out on the precipitation altogether as a result of the narrow scope of these bands.

The greatest risk of lake-effect snow happens in the higher terrains. The variable elevations in this region makes it more difficult to predict snowfall amounts on a widespread basis.

Diving Into Some of the Most Significant Lake-Effect Snowfall Events