Understanding Snow Types: Powder, Sleet and Freezing Rain

Winter is just around the corner, and whether you’re planning a ski trip in the Rockies or a cozy holiday in the Scottish Highlands, one thing’s for sure—snow is coming. But not all snow is created equal.

From the soft, powdery snow that skiers dream of to the slippery, dangerous freezing rain that makes roads treacherous, the type of snow you encounter can make or break your travel plans.

Understanding the different types of snow and winter precipitation is key to staying safe and making the most of your winter adventure.

In this guide, we’ll break down the main snow types—powder, sleet, and freezing rain—exploring their impact on travel and what you need to know to be fully prepared.

Powder Snow: A Winter Sports Favorite

Powder snow is a dream for winter sports enthusiasts. This light, airy snow forms when temperatures are well below freezing, allowing it to retain its fluffy structure. Powder snow is most commonly found in cold, high-altitude areas such as Aspen, Colorado, and the Cairngorms in Scotland, where dry conditions foster its formation.

Powder snow has a droplet diameter between 0.2 and 0.5 mm, and its terminal velocity ranges from 70 to 200 cm per second (28 to 79 inches per second). Its dry, light nature creates ideal skiing and snowboarding conditions, offering little underfoot resistance. However, high winds can easily blow powder snow into drifts, obstructing roads and reducing driver visibility.

Powder Snow in Brief:

• Droplet size: 0.2 to 0.5 mm
• Famous regions: Aspen, Rocky Mountains (US), Cairngorms (UK)
• Travel challenges: Snowdrifts can block roads, reduce visibility

While powder snow is a traveler’s delight in terms of recreation, it can cause disruptions for drivers, especially in mountainous regions. Wind-blown powder snow can create deep snowdrifts, potentially impeding roads without proper snow-clearing measures.

Sleet: The Slippery Mix of Snow and Rain

Sleet forms when snow partially melts as it falls through a layer of warmer air before refreezing into small ice pellets. Sleet can be dangerous for travel because it creates slippery conditions on roads and sidewalks, often leading to accidents.

The diameter of sleet pellets can reach up to 5 mm, and they typically form when temperatures hover around 0°C (32°F). Sleet is common in coastal regions where fluctuating temperatures and moist air masses collide, such as Liverpool in the UK and Boston, Massachusetts in the US.

Sleet accumulates quickly on cold surfaces, causing roadways and sidewalks to freeze. Travelers should exercise caution, as sleet’s slick surface can drastically reduce traction, making driving and walking hazardous.

Sleet Overview:

• Droplet size: Up to 5 mm
• Formation temperature: 0°C (32°F)
• Regions affected: Coastal areas like Liverpool (UK) and Boston (US)
• Impact on travel: Creates slick, icy roads and sidewalks

Sleet may not look threatening, but its impact on roads can be significant. Travelers should monitor weather forecasts closely and drive carefully during sleet events.