Lake Effect Snow
Lake Effect Snow
Definition
Lake Effect Snow is a heavy, localized snowfall in the proximity of large bodies of open water occurring when a cold air mass and accompanying winds move over warmer lake water. Lake effect snow clouds normally form in narrow bands, referred to as "streamers" which can be as much as 40 km wide and extend over 100 km inland from the lake. Within the streamer, snowfall rates can exceed 15 cm per hour.
Lake effect snow is prevalent in the Great Lakes region of North America but also occurs in several other areas.
Causation
Lake effect snow forms when a cold air mass and accompanying winds move over warmer lake waters. The lake water raises the temperature of the proximal layer of air and moisture from the lake evaporates into the air mass. The moist, warm air rises and begins to cool causing the moisture to condense, freeze into ice crystals and form clouds which are then driven onto the shore by the wind. As the ice crystals collide, they stick together to become snow flakes and, when the flakes become heavy enough, snow begins falling.
Under the right air mass and wind conditions, lake effect snow can occur virtually any time during the late autumn and winter months so long as the surface of the lake is not frozen. A frozen lake does not produce significant amounts of lake effect snow as an ice surface reduces both the temperature differential between the lake and the air mass and the available moisture. It is very unusual for the North American Great Lakes to become completely ice covered at any time during the winter. As a consequence, there is the potential for lake effect snow in the Great Lakes region throughout the entire winter season.
Effects
Lake effect snow clouds normally form in narrow bands, referred to as "streamers". Streamer length and orientation are determined by the shape of the body of water and the prevailing wind direction and speed. In extreme cases, the heaviest bands of snowfall could be as much as 40 km wide and extend well over 100 km inland from the lake.
Within the streamer, snowfall rates can exceed 15 cm per hour. If the wind remains steady, a band of snow can hover over one location for several hours resulting in a metre or more of snow. Lake effect snowfall is very localized and 20 km on either side of the streamer, the skies might be sunny with no snow at all.
Operational Consequences
The operational consequences at an aerodrome that is experiencing lake effect snow can be significant. Delays and de-icing are certainties and diversions are likely as normal airfield operations can be severely impaired. Operators should anticipate and plan for the following:
- De-icing. Due to the heavy snowfall, ground de-icing will be required, even during a quick turn-around. Aerodrome de-icing services might be overwhelmed, due to the high demand, resulting in departure delays.
- Contaminated Surfaces. Ramps, taxiways and runway surfaces are all likely to have some contamination present. Performance calculations for both takeoff and landing must consider the consequences of the runway contamination.
- Snow Clearing Operations. Simultaneous snow clearing and aircraft operations will be in progress which can result in delays. Additional vigilance on the part of all personnel is required.
- Longer Turn-around Times. Aircraft servicing operations such as towing, pushback, loading, refuelling and water/lavatory servicing will all be impeded by the snow. Delays can be expected.
- Runway Closures. Temporary runway closures will be required for snow clearing. At aerodromes with multiple runways, operations may be shifted back and forth between runways to facilitate snow clearing. Under extreme snowfall conditions, limitations in snow removal capacity may result in the loss of one or more runways and, ultimately, in the closure of the aerodrome.
- Reduced Visibility. Visibility will be reduced in snow and blowing snow. Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) may be in effect.
- Reduced Aerodrome Capacity. All of the previously mentioned factors can result in a capacity reduction for both inbound and outbound flights.
- Delays and Diversion Potential. Diversion potential is significant as any fuel beyond reserve fuel requirements may be exhausted due to arrival delays.
- Increased Fuel Requirements. Ground delays for departing aircraft and holding, approach and ground delays for arrivals will all contribute to an increase in fuel consumption.
Airports near areas where Lake Effect Snow occurs
- Austin Straubel International Airport
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport
- CFB Trenton
- Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport
- Chicago/Gary
- Chicago/Midway International Airport
- Chicago/O'Hare International Airport
- Chippewa County International Airport
- Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport
- Cleveland International
- Erie International Airport
- Greater Rochester International Airport
- Houghton County Memorial Airport
- Kingston/Norman Rogers Airport
- Manistee County-Blacker Airport
- Milwaukee
- Muskegon County Airport
- Muskoka Airport
- Niagara Falls International Airport
- North Bay Jack Garland Airport
- Salt Lake City International
- Sault Ste. Marie International Airport
- South Bend Regional Airport
- Toronto/Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
- Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport
- Watertown International Airport
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