When It Comes To Lake-Effect Snow, This Great Lake Does It Best

On Monday counties along the Lake Michigan shoreline we're under a Winter Storm Warning as they got slammed with 5-12 inches of snow.

Meanwhile further inland, the City of Grand Rapids got less than an inch of snow.

This huge discrepancy was caused by lake effect snow

What Causes Lake Effect Snow?

Lake effect snow is caused when cold air, often originating from Canada, travels across the warmer waters of a lake.

As the cold air passes over the lake, it absorbs heat and moisture from the water surface.

This process causes the air to become warmer and less dense, leading it to rise.

As the warm, moist air ascends, it cools and condenses into clouds.

If conditions are right, this moisture falls as snow once the air moves over land.

What Great Lake Creates The Most Lake Effect Snow?

When you take a look at the Great Lakes (Erie, Huron, Michigan, Ontario, and Superior) there is one clear winner for creating the most lake effect snow.

Lake Superior is known to produce the greatest lake-effect snow in terms of both regional extent and magnitude.

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and the third-largest freshwater lake by volume, holding an incredible 10% of the world's surface fresh water.

While Lake Ontario is know to generates a lot of lake-effect snow along with record snowfall events, Lake Superior's overall impact is broader and more intense.

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I always assumed that Lake Michigan or Lake Ontario created the most lake effect snow, but when you hear those facts it makes sense.

I'm thankful that I only have to deal with lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan.