02/21/2026
As we gear up for what might be the last significant snow storm this winter, let's think about how long it takes for storms to build.
On the average, it takes around 9 days for a storm to fully form and take affect. It takes time for water to evaporate from the earth, either from the ocean or from the land, condense and become part of a cloud, and then to fall to the earth again as either rain or snow. This is all connected to our water cycle. It's not complex, but it does take time.
As a reminder, snowflakes are stuck together tiny ice crystals that are formed when the water in the air gets really cold. What's really interesting is that the life of an ice crystal happens miles up in the air. The shape depends on the temperature of the air and the amount of water in the sky. As the ice crystals fall to earth, they change shape, stick together, break apart, and that happens over and over again.
Snow storms can be beautiful, but they can be dangerous if you're out in them and not ready. Make sure you are wearing the proper gear and have fun.
Photo from Maureen Zieber of Iron Hill woods in winter.