The kid in me just will not go away. As far as I am concerned, this is a good thing. I can’t stop thinking about our most recent snow. I think I am just excited about receiving the fluffy stuff now as I was when I was in grade school. I had more to gain then for a day of snow meant a day less of school, if it fell at the right time. Half of the fun of snow is the anticipation. I remember all of the hoopla when Bob Neblett or Woody Assaf would predict the possibility of accumulation in our communities. There was always, and still is for that matter, a run on the basics like milk, bread, and cocoa at our local grocer. Today you can add bottled water to that list, but there was no such thing back in the day. Mom would always rush out to buy “snow boots” for us and when the blizzard didn’t occur my dad would tell her she jinxed it. This always got under her skin. Oh, but when the conditions were just right and we were greeted to the white blanket that covered our landscape happiness and excitement flowed from everyone. Though we all enjoy this phenomenon, what is snow and how is it made?
A snowflake starts as a tiny grain of dust. Water vapor from the air sticks to this particle and freezes. Once frozen, the flake grows in a supersaturated environment as water molecules are collected on it. An odd twist to this work of nature is that these ice crystals most often have hexagonal symmetry. Snowflakes grow in size as they fall through the atmosphere collecting millions of water vapor droplets. Though most are small, the world record for the largest recorded snowflake is an alleged 15 inches wide. Snowflakes form in a variety of shapes leading to the old saying that “no two are alike.” This is due to the estimated 10 quintillion water molecules which make up a particular snowflake. This would make a nice project for a grad student to show what the odds are in duplicating the shape of a snowflake. I’m sure the statistician’s mouths are watering now.
Additionally, we perceive snow as a white substance when in reality it is made up of just clear ice. This is due to the reflection of the whole color spectrum of light by the individual small crystal facets. Anytime I hear someone speak of the color of something I think back on my defense in graduate school. I was asked by a particular “hard-nosed” professor what the color of a textbook was that was on the table during my orals. Knowing full well this question was leading up to some form of “trickery” I answered, “it appears to be green.” Of course he then made me take a stand by saying “is it, or is it not green? When I replied it was indeed green, he immediately informed me that I was wrong. He said the book was every color in the spectrum except green because all of the other colors were absorbed and only green was reflected. No wonder I’m damaged from school. Anyway, back to snow.
The snowflake most often has traditional meaning around the Christmas season. In the religious Christmas tradition, snowflakes symbolize purity. Snow is associated with a “White Christmas” leading to the classic tune made famous by Bing Crosby.
Snow affects hunting and game movement in a peculiar way, at least here in the deep south. Most of us jump at the chance to hunt in the snow. If I remember correctly, there used to be a law on the books stating deer hunting was not allowed in Mississippi if there was more than three inches of snow on the ground. I’m not a hundred percent sure in the accuracy of my statement but I do remember something along these lines. In my experience, deer don’t typically move that well during snowfall. I’m not sure if it confuses them or what but they normally bed up and wait for the weather to break. Though it is beautiful in the woods during a snow storm, hunting is better before and after the actual snowfall. Regarding ducks, it can be a different story. Some of my most memorable and successful waterfowl hunts have been in a blinding snow. Ducks respond to calls and work like magic at times in a blizzard. I’m not sure if they are confused or just need to find water to land but it is uncanny how good it can be in the snow.
Though our recent snow has melted and has been absorbed by our fertile soils, hopefully another will return before the wrath of winter is through. Maybe in the near future our local meteorologists will bring news to us of what is forming in the north and headed our way. I only hope to have the fire going with spiced tea on the stove simmering just waiting to be poured into a mug. A box of Christmas trash full of pretzels and peanuts would only add to the experience. Movies, blankets, and a lighted Christmas tree would complete the picture. Who cares if bucks have been taken or strings of mallards are in the boat, you can’t beat a cold winter night when all is calm. Will we get another snow this season? Only time will tell but I surely hope we do. Even if we don’t, build a fire, grab a book, and enjoy the time we have. Assuredly, it will be warming up again before you know it.
Enjoy your time with friends and family and until next time enjoy our woods and waters and remember, let’s leave it better than we found it.
