#snow roller

From Earth Science Picture of the Day; February 19, 2017:

Archive - Snow Roller

Each Sunday we present a notable item from our archives. This EPOD was originally published February 17, 2003.

Referred By and Summary Author: Michael Ellestad

Snow rollers occur when there is powdery snow on the ground and on top of that a layer of wet and very sticky snow. A gust of wind will lift up the wet snow from the dry and roll it into a cylindrical mass resembling a roll of insulation. Sometimes the rolls will be hollow, but these are solid. The largest one at the bottom of the picture measures 9 inches (23 cm) in diameter. These snow rollers were spotted in Adams County, Ohio last week.

Related Links:

Snow Roller

What Is A "Snow Roller"

Snow Rollers on the Camas Prairie

Snow Donuts

During winter throughout the United States, one could have found snow rolls or “snow donuts” much like these in many regions of the Appalachian Mountains. Snow donuts accumulate when sticky but light weighted snow precipitate in windy conditions. In order to accumulate, the snow must exist on a layer of ice and be wet and light in weight. The snow must also be around 0 degrees C (32 degrees F). The formations come to be by accumulating, rolling in the shape/direction of the wind, then accumulating a bit more, freezing, and rolling, and so on. The conditions have to be absolutely perfect in order for these rare formations to occur so witnessing them in nature can be a difficult and an exciting feat.

--Pete D

Photo Credit: http://bit.ly/1fhmvYH