Dad jokes aside, let’s talk about the questions kids ask. Parents have all been there: “Mom, why is the sky blue?” “Dad, why do cats say meow?” And whenever the snow starts falling, you can bet the snow-related questions will follow. Kids are full of these perplexing puzzles, and that curiosity is part of their charm. It’s also a magical feeling when you actually know the answer — and can impress them.
To help parents tackle those snowy inquiries, we enlisted the help of the National Weather Service (NWS) in Rapid City. One of the weather experts there shared insights on everything from why snow is white to what makes perfect snowman snow.
Meet Aaron
Aaron Woodward is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the NWS in Rapid City. He serves as the liaison between the NWS and community partners across western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming. That means he works closely with county EMS, fire and police departments and schools. “My job is to keep all of our partners aware of what services the National Weather Service can provide to help them make decisions when adverse weather affects their counties,” he said.
His love for weather started in childhood, with thunderstorms on the baseball field sparking both fear and fascination. “I was mesmerized by the lightning, and that fear turned into curiosity, and that curiosity turned into a passion,” Aaron said. Today, he communicates critical weather information to keep communities safe.
Why Is Snow White?
The answer is all in the light. Snow is made of countless tiny ice crystals. When sunlight hits these crystals, it bends, bounces and reflects multiple times. By the time it reaches our eyes, the result is the bright white we see on snowy days. “It’s a little bit of atmospheric optics,” Aaron said.
The Secret of Snowflakes
Snowflakes are famous for their intricate and unique patterns. But why aren’t they simple dots? Snowflakes start as tiny water droplets that freeze while falling. The temperature and moisture in the atmosphere influence how they grow. “Certain temperatures will freeze snowflakes faster, producing smaller shapes. Droplets that fall through a moist layer collect more water and create larger, more intricate flakes,” Aaron explained. Perfect, Hallmark movie snowflake conditions require a delicate balance: cold enough to freeze, moist enough to grow and calm enough to let them form their signature symmetry.
Snowmen, Sledding and Crunchy Walks
Not all snow is created equal when it comes to playtime. Snow’s “snow ratio” — how much snow it takes to melt down to one inch of water — determines whether it’s dry and powdery or heavy and wet. This ratio is sometimes seen on weather forecasts as numbers like 3:1 or 7:1, meaning it takes 3 or 7 inches of melted snow to equal 1 inch of water. The higher the number, the drier and lighter the snow.
Light, dry snow blows around and is ideal for sledding but doesn’t stick well. Heavy, wet snow clumps together, making it perfect for building snowmen. Western South Dakota typically sees drier snow, ideal for crunching underfoot and, when we get enough of it, perfect for speedy sledding.
Blizzards: More Than Just Big Snow
Kids (and adults) often hear the word “blizzard” tossed around casually. But Aaron explained there’s a formal definition. A blizzard requires winds over 35 mph, visibility reduced to less than a quarter-mile, and these conditions must last at least three hours. “It’s really the reduction in visibility combined with sustained wind that makes it dangerous,” he said.
Catching Snowflakes Safely
One of the classic winter questions: Can kids eat snow? Aaron’s advice is simple — moderation matters. Freshly fallen snow is probably OK to nibble every once in a while. “But I wouldn’t recommend eating huge handfuls,” he said. It’s because snow that has been on the ground awhile can carry pollutants, chemicals or dirt that can make you sick. Catching falling snowflakes on your tongue is generally safe because of the small amount you’d be consuming, but Aaron pointed out that there’s things like smoke, dust and other fine particles in the atmosphere that even the purest looking snowflake could be carrying along.
Reading the Sky
Want to predict a snow day without checking the weather app? Look for low, gray clouds, particularly at night when city lights illuminate them. “Low-hanging clouds are usually a good sign that snow might be on the way,” Aaron said. In the Black Hills, these signs often signal the need to prepare for wintry conditions.
The Importance of the National Weather Service
Beyond answering kids’ curious questions, Aaron emphasized the critical role of the NWS in public safety. Accurate forecasts are only useful if effectively communicated. The office coordinates with emergency managers, school administrators (think snow days and 2 hour delays) and road crews — even in the middle of the night — to ensure communities can make informed decisions. “At the end of the day, it’s all about keeping everybody safe,” he said. Whether it’s understanding why snow is white, how snowflakes form or what makes snow perfect for snowmen, Aaron encourages curiosity. And for parents fielding those relentless winter questions, at least now, they have a few scientifically sound answers ready.