Snowfall

Snowfall quantifies frozen precipitation accumulation in centimeters per hour, providing winter photographers with precise forecasts for timing shoots during active snow, immediately after fresh accumulation, or days later for pristine snow-covered landscapes. Unlike rainfall which immediately drains away, snowfall accumulates and persists, creating extended photography windows where fresh snow enhances every composition with clean white surfaces, simplified forms, and even reflectance that softens harsh shadows.

Light snowfall of 0.5-2 cm/hour allows comfortable shooting with good visibility, falling snow adding gentle motion and atmosphere to images without overwhelming scenes or challenging equipment protection. Moderate snowfall of 2-5 cm/hour creates quintessential winter conditions: substantial snow accumulation transforming landscapes rapidly, falling flakes visible in photos adding dynamism, and sufficient visibility for foreground-to-background compositions. Heavy snowfall above 5 cm/hour produces whiteout conditions with limited visibility, challenging photography but creating ethereal atmospheric effects for prepared shooters with weather-sealed gear.

Timing snowfall photography requires understanding accumulation rates and persistence: 5cm total accumulation occurs in 2.5 hours at 2 cm/hour rates, while the same total takes 10 hours at 0.5 cm/hour rates, dramatically affecting when fresh snow photo opportunities peak. Fresh snow photography is most compelling within 6-12 hours of snowfall end before wind redistributes snow, temperatures compact accumulation, or sunlight melts delicate accumulations from vegetation. Multi-day accumulation forecasts help photographers plan trips: 15-30cm totals create beautiful snow-draped landscapes, 30-50cm produces dramatic deep snow scenes, and 75cm+ transforms terrain into winter wilderness requiring specialized access. Snow photography also depends on temperature: snowfall near 0°C produces wet, heavy snow that sticks to vegetation dramatically but melts quickly, while snowfall at -10°C creates light, fluffy snow that accumulates deeply but doesn't adhere to trees as dramatically. PhotoWeather tracks snowfall timing and accumulation to alert photographers to fresh snow windows, predict peak accumulation for timing arrivals, and forecast conditions that coat vegetation versus simply accumulating on ground. Understanding snowfall rates helps photographers time shoots for maximum effect: arriving as snow ends captures fresh accumulation with clearing skies, while shooting during light active snowfall adds atmosphere and motion to winter scenes.