It is windy high up in the atmosphere as the effect of gravity is reduced and cooler because air temperatures decrease as you get closer to the poles. Therefore gale force winds are stronger and more common at the top of mountains than at sea level.

Wind direction can make or break snowfall accumulation at ski areas. You may have a simple storm system loaded with moisture, for instance, but if the wind direction is wrong, then very little snow may fall at these resorts.

description and cause …of such winds, known as mountain winds or breezes, is induced by differential heating or cooling along mountain slopes. During the day, solar heating of the sunlit slopes causes the overlying air to move upslope. These winds are also called anabatic flow.

Strong winds and heavy snow can damage cause tree limbs to fall onto structures or even utility lines, resulting in power outages. Drifts can block roads and sidewalks and make traveling difficult well after the storm is over.

Extreme temperature changes increase blood pressure, putting additional strain on the heart. The human heart also has to pump more blood in order to maintain body heat when it is cold.

Suffocation can happen quickly. Hypothermia is a serious risk facing skiers and snowboarders, as well as frostbite. When you are exposed to the cold for too long and core body temperature lowers, you are at risk for hypothermia. Watch out for shivering, progressive feelings of weakness, confusion, and pallor.

Since the rain water isn’t supercooled, the energy (e.g. heat) of the impact will melt the snow. Now in most cases, when it’s raining on a snowpack the rain is above freezing, you’ll have additional heat transferred to the snow to melt it faster.

When you’re expecting freezing rain, it’s best to wait to shovel, snowblow, or plow until after the freezing rain passes. If you allow the freezing rain to fall on snow, it will become a crust on top of the snow. Then, you can clear away all of it at once.

Shovel while it’s snowing If the forecast calls for a heavy snowfall over a long period of time, don’t wait until it’s over to pick up a shovel. Plan to clear the snow at least once while it’s still falling and then again when the storm passes, Hope said.

Outdoor electric heat is the only chemical-free option to clear snow from driveways and walkways. Regular use of chemicals for snow melting take a toll on pets, cars, gardens, and driveway surfaces.

Preparation

1. If desired, cover the driveway in a snow melt chemical (salt or otherwise – whatever you would usually use) and put down ropes or another item – use your resources and your imagination – that will serve as a barrier between the tarp and the ground.
2. Spread your tarp or plastic sheet over the desired area.