Types of Snowflakes

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With all the different types of temperatures happening around the Adirondacks, various types of ice are forming as well. 

Did you know? 
 • A snow crystal is a single crystal of ice.
• A snowflake can be an individual crystal, a few snow crystals stuck together or a huge mass of crystals
• A snowflake is not frozen rain. Frozen rain is called sleet!


Take a magnifying glass outside and a black piece of paper and look at the different types of crystals forming. Have fun!
Check out Ken Libbrecht's Field Guide to Snowflakes for a great resource for discovering all the differences between types of snowflakes and the conditions that cause each one! 

© Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Activities™ guidebook series, Adirondack Family Time™, which is available online or bookstores/museums/sporting good stores. Diane is currently working on the third guidebook in the four-book series of Adirondack Family Activities™.

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