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Snow, known as "lake-effect snow," is generated from the temperature contrast between the cold arctic air moving over the relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes (or other large body of water). Unlike most winter storms, lake effect snows do not build their foundation upon strong areas of low pressure. Instead, they are fueled by the same dry arctic air that is responsible for clearing skies over land in other parts of the country. Specifically, cold arctic air passing over the Great Lakes picks up moisture and deposits it as snow inland from the downwind shore. So while other parts of the northeastern United States are clearing up after a recent cold frontal passage, communities near the Great Lakes wait for the lake effect snow machine to fire up!

Lake Effect snow is bands of narrow, but at times very heavy snow that is generated by cold air blowing over large areas of fresh water; such as the Great Lakes. The air moving over the warmer waters of the lake picks up the moisture from the water and deposits it as snow on the down wind side of the lake. Areas famous for Lake Effect snow are the eastern portions of Lake Ontario in New York such as Oswego County. In February 2007 some portions of Oswego County, New York received up to 11 feet of snow in a 5 day time frame. also the lake effect can make tremendous snow in the winter. it may cause lots of damage to lots of things
Cold air blows over large lakes,and then over land.
When a cold air mass travels over a warm body of water, that causes lake effect snow. This can occur over any body of water.
Cold dry winds blow across the surface of a much warmer body of water for a significant distance, then continue into some land area. Many areas south and east of the Great Lakes receive a lot of lake effect snow.
Cold air from the northwest gains moisture and warmth as it passes over the great lakes which causes a lake-effect snowstorm
Lake effect snows occur when a mass of sufficiently cold air moves over a body of warmer water, creating an unstable temperature profile in the atmosphere. As a result, clouds build over the lake and eventually develop into snow showers and squalls as they move downwind.

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Related Questions

Lake-effect snow are more likely to occur in which state New York or oklahoma?

Lake-effect snow is more likely to occur in New York because of the Great Lakes, which provide a source of moisture for the snow to form. Oklahoma, being farther from large bodies of water, does not experience lake-effect snow to the same extent.


Can great lake effect snow fall in Tennessee?

No, lake effect snow is typically seen in regions near the Great Lakes where cold air passes over the warmer lake waters, picking up moisture and creating heavy snowfall. Tennessee's climate and geographical location do not experience the conditions necessary for lake effect snow to occur.


Does Lake George NY get lake effect snow?

Yes, Lake George NY can experience lake effect snow due to its proximity to Lake George. When cold air masses move over the relatively warmer lake waters, it can result in increased moisture and snowfall in the region.


Where does lake-effect snow fall?

Down wind of the lake.


What is the type of snow that buffalo gets hit wih?

Much of their snow is "lake effect snow".


Can great lake effect snow reach Florida?

No.


What is meant by lake effect snow?

Increased quantity of snowfall due to proximity of a lake.


What is responsible for producing large amount of snow in buffalo?

Lake effect snow: water from Lake Erie picks up water and holds that moisture, releasing it in the form of snow downwind of the lake.


Does lake-effect snow occur in detroit?

Yes! Michigan has a great deal of snow during the winter. Lake effect snow regularly pounds the west coast of the state. The Upper Peninsula is often snow bound. The south eastern corner of the state often misses the largest storms, but still gets its fair share. Yup there is snow there all the time. They even have a few successful ski resorts! The person above me was right about the lake effect. There is just more snow coming off the lakes.


Lake effect snow is associated with what air mass?

cP


Why dont cities that receive lake-effect snow in the winter also receive lake-effect rain in the summer?

Lake effect snow is driven by the instability caused by cold air flowing over a much warmer body of water. In the summer, the air moving over the lakes is generally considerably warmer, which doesn't generate that instability. In the fall, these same places do start to get lake effect rain as the colder air flows over the still-warm lakes, but the air is not quite cold enough to produce snow down to the surface.


What air mass can cause lake effect snow?

An Arctic air mass moving over relatively warm lake water can cause lake effect snow. As the cold air near the surface picks up moisture from the warmer lake, it becomes unstable and produces localized bands of heavy snow downwind of the lake.