Snowspouts

A snowspout is a rare type of whirlwind that forms over bodies of water during snowfall. Unlike water spouts, which occur over warm water, snowspouts typically form in colder conditions, often during lake-effect snow events. They are characterized by a funnel cloud composed of snow and ice particles extending from a cumulonimbus cloud to the surface of the water.

These phenomena are essentially cold-air funnels and are generally weaker than their warmer-weather counterparts. The exact atmospheric conditions required for their formation are still being researched, but they are believed to involve significant atmospheric instability and a strong updraft within a snow-producing cloud. While they can appear impressive, snowspouts rarely pose a significant threat, usually dissipating quickly. They are most commonly observed in the Great Lakes region of North America, particularly during the late fall and winter months. Their infrequent occurrence makes them a subject of interest for meteorologists studying extreme weather events.