Bigfoot's Friend

Wintertime tends to come with a widespread sense of trepidation due to the lack of sunlight and the challenges of traveling during winter months. However, the snow that comes along with it sparks an annual joy to many and provides stability in both economic and environmental factors.

Not to mention the peace and serenity that a fresh, sparkling snowscape creates!

Snow Has A Major Impact On The Environment

Snow is an essential part of the ecosystem. From replenishing rivers and streams, to preventing wildfire spread, those billions of individual little flakes all add up to a big impact in the environment.

• Water Resource Replenishment: Snow serves as a natural reservoir in the mountains, storing water that gradually melts throughout the year and replenishes rivers, lakes, and groundwater, supporting aquatic and forested ecosystems and even our own water supplies.
• Soil Moisture in Nature and Agriculture: Snowmelt provides essential moisture for soil which is required for plant growth in the wilderness and in communities, supporting agricultural activities such as farming and foraging, and contributing to healthy ecosystems, farmlands, and food production.
• Habitat Support: Snow plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by providing habitat and resources for various plants and animals, especially in mountainous regions where snow cover is essential for certain species’ survival. Additionally, having significant snowpacks in the mountains can help reduce the risks of unmanageable wildfires in the summer, especially in heavily forested areas.
• Climate Regulation and Plant Protection: Snow-covered landscapes help regulate local and regional climates by reflecting sunlight, and moderating extreme cold temperatures. Snow cover helps regulate the temperature of the Earth’s surface which helps protect the deep roots from trees, shrubs, and other perennial flowers and plants from freezing and becoming damaged during the cold weather.

Fun Snow Fact: One cubic inch of snow (1″x1″x1″) holds more than 1,000 individual snowflakes!

The Economic and Recreational Benefits The Snow Brings

Many people wait all year for winter to finally arrive. The snow provides business opportunities, sports, hobbies, and inspirations that aren’t available throughout the year.

• Tourism in the Winter: In rural areas and cities alike, snowfall and cold weather bring about activities and tourist attractions that aren’t available year-round. Ice castles, snowshoeing, horse-drawn-sleighs, skiing, and ice fishing are all wintertime activities that draw in tourism, especially to many small towns and rural locations.
• Snow Sports and Recreation Industry: Many recreational industries wait on wintertime and rely on the snowfall to continue to survive. Ski resorts, ice skating rinks, hockey rinks, and even hot spring locations rely on the cold weather and the snowpack to maintain business. 
• Snow Removal Industry: The snow removal industry in America is worth nearly $4 billion annually. Many families and businesses rely on the snow for their ability to work. Not to mention tow trucks and tire shops where their annual boom of business is generally wintertime – specifically when it snows.

Snow Has Significant Social and Cultural Ties

Winter brings up feelings of nostalgia, gratefulness, love, and heritage. Varying holidays and traditions across many countries and beliefs are celebrated during the winter and snow is the definitive sign of the season for many.

• Winter Festivals and Celebrations: Many cultures around the world host winter festivals and celebrations that revolve around snowfall. These events often feature traditions and activities that celebrate the beauty and wonder of snow, such as snow sculpting contests, ice festivals, winter sports and activities, and holiday celebrations.
• Holiday Traditions: Snow plays a central role in various holiday traditions and celebrations like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice to name a few. In regions where snow is common during the winter months, activities like building snowmen, having snowball fights, and sledding are cherished traditions that bring families and communities together during the cold winter months.
• Cultural Art and Literature: Snow has been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and poets throughout history. From landscape paintings depicting snow-covered scenes to music, poems, and literature speaking on the beauty and symbolism of snow, it has left an undeniable mark on cultural art and societal relevance.
• Cultural Identity: For communities and regions that experience significant snowfall, snow becomes an integral part of our cultural identity. Major preparations take place before wintertime in many areas of the world where heavy snowfall is common. It shapes our way of life, influences our traditions and customs, and marks the change into the magical season that winter is.

Fun Snow Fact: Researchers have studied whether two snowflakes can be identical or not – and the general consensus is no. Even if two snowflakes were identical, it would be nearly impossible for someone to find a snowflakes twin.

Challenges and Dangers of Snowfall

As beautiful and meaningful as the snow is, it can also be pretty dangerous. Natural hazards and travel risks are major problems to look out for.

• Snow-related Natural Hazards: Avalanches, heavy snowfall, and ice are all as dangerous as they are incredible. Skiers and snowboarders have to be cautious of avalanches in the mountains, and in town the snow and ice creates difficulty with travel – on foot and on the road.
• Driving Difficulty: Driving in below freezing temperatures is one of the main causes of car accidents in the U.S. Reportedly there are around half a million car accidents per year caused by snow on the road, wet roads, and snowstorms. Ensuring you have well treaded or studded tires in the winter is extremely helpful for preventing an accident yourself, but don’t forget that 4 wheel drive and new tires are still no match for black ice. Drive slow and leave plenty of room in case you don’t stop! (Unfortunately I know this from experience – learn from my mistakes!)
• Flight Delays and Cancellations: As well as driving, flying can also be delayed and sometimes fully halted due to the snow. Snowstorms can cause lack of visibility, ice buildup on the plane itself, and disruption of vital instruments needed for flying.
• Power Outages and Frozen Water: In snowstorms and ice storms, electricity being knocked out isn’t uncommon, and it’s extremely problematic. Lack of power means no light, water, or heat, and deep in the winter in subzero temperatures that can be dangerous and scary if the problem isn’t fixed quickly. Additionally, freezing water pipes isn’t uncommon in many northern areas. Leaving the kitchen and bathroom sinks dripping overnight to keep water flowing is a common wintertime practice to prevent water pipes from freezing up.

Fun Snow Fact: Even though we have always depicted snow to be white (I mean, that is how it appears) snowflakes are actually translucent. The light reflecting off of the snow is what causes it to have a such a blatantly white appearance!

Overall, snow is a magical and miraculous thing. The significance it holds in so many communities, religions, industries, and individuals is a timeless joy to experience.

From snow men, to snow plows, those sparkling magical little flakes have a different and significant meaning to everyone. I would love to hear in the comments what makes snow special to you!

Personally, I have always had a love/hate relationship with the snow. I’ve always been miserable in the cold and scared to travel in the snow, but a dear friend of mine taught me that a snowy day holds a unique joy that can’t be replicated or replaced. This post is my nod to her love for snow, to adjusting negative perspectives and to appreciating even the smallest of blessings while they last – because they don’t last forever.

Next time you’re dreading the inevitable snowfall, try to take a moment to appreciate all of the incredible blessings that the snow provides for us, and the awe inspiring beauty that it holds.

Happy snow shoveling!

– Jessica C.