Season for More Frequent Lake-Effect Snowstorms
qThe amount of snow that falls during lake-effect snowstorms
depends on (1) lake
temperature, (2) air temperature, (3) wind direction and speed (affect air resident time), (4) ice cover on the lake, (5)
topography downwind of the lakes.
qThe temperature difference between air and lake has to be
larger than 10°C (18°F)
to develop the lake effect.
qThe air-lake temperature is largest in late December and early
January, the most
favorable time for lake-effect snow.