What Is Blowing Snow?
Blowing snow occurs when strong enough winds lift loose snow from the ground and carry it through the air. The snow may have fallen recently or can be picked up from snow already on the ground.
The main concern with blowing snow is reduced visibility. In stronger winds, enough snow can be lifted into the air to make roads, vehicles and surrounding objects difficult to see.
Wind can also move snow away from exposed areas and deposit it elsewhere. This can create snowdrifts across roads, driveways and other areas even when no new snow is falling.
Related Conditions
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Snowdrift | A pile or bank of snow that forms when wind carries and deposits loose snow. |
| Whiteout | A condition where poor visibility and contrast make the horizon and surrounding features difficult to see. |
| Ground Blizzard | Blizzard conditions caused mainly by strong winds lifting snow already on the ground. |
| Snow Squall | A sudden period of heavy snow that can quickly reduce visibility and cover roads. |
| Heavy Snowfall | Snowfall that produces significant accumulation and provides loose snow that can later be carried by wind. |
Related Alerts
| Alert | Description |
|---|---|
| Blowing Snow Advisory | Issued when blowing snow is expected to significantly reduce visibility. |
| Blizzard Warning | Warns of strong winds and blowing snow producing severely reduced visibility. |
| Wind Warning | Issued when strong winds are expected to reach warning criteria and create hazardous conditions. |
| Winter Storm Warning | Issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is expected. |
| Winter Storm Watch | Alerts people to the potential for significant winter weather to develop. |
What Causes Blowing Snow?
Blowing snow develops when wind becomes strong enough to lift loose snow from the ground. The easier the snow is to move, the more likely it is to become airborne.
Fresh, dry snow is particularly easy for wind to pick up because it is lighter and less compacted than wet snow. This means blowing snow can develop during a snowfall or after the snow has stopped if strong winds move across loose snow on the ground.
Open and exposed areas are especially prone to blowing snow because there are fewer trees, buildings and other obstacles to slow the wind. This is one reason visibility can deteriorate quickly on exposed highways and rural roads.
As the wind moves snow, some of it eventually settles back onto the ground. This process can create snowdrifts that are much deeper than the surrounding snow.
When blowing snow becomes severe enough, it can produce whiteout conditions and make travel extremely difficult. If strong winds and blowing snow reduce visibility enough for a sustained period, the conditions may meet the criteria for a blizzard.
Wind is therefore an important part of forecasting blowing snow. Our guide on how meteorologists predict wind explains how forecasters determine when and where stronger winds are expected.
FAQ
Falling snow comes directly from clouds. Blowing snow is snow that has already reached the ground and is then lifted and carried through the air by wind.
Yes. Strong winds can lift loose snow already on the ground, so blowing snow can develop even under conditions where no new snow is falling.
Snow carried through the air can partially or completely obscure roads, vehicles and other objects. In severe cases, visibility can fall to near zero.
Blowing snow is snow being lifted and carried by wind. A blizzard requires a combination of strong winds and severely reduced visibility in snow or blowing snow for a sustained period.
Yes. Severe blowing snow can contribute to whiteout conditions when enough airborne snow reduces visibility and contrast.
Yes. Environment and Climate Change Canada can issue a Blowing Snow Advisory when blowing snow is expected to significantly reduce visibility.