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Snow much fun: Winter activity enthusiasts rejoice

You know what they say about snow, "Don't flurry, be happy."
dog in snow
Snow much fun as the excitement of finally receiving snow in all parts of Saskatchewan is celebrated by winter activity enthusiasts.

SASKATCHEWAN -- Not snow fast!  Just because we lamented no snow at Christmas doesn’t mean we are all unhappy about its arrival early in 2024. You snow what? There is a lot to love about snow.

You can jump in it, you can ski or sled down it, you can skidoo across it, you can make forts out of it, you can enjoy a snowball fight with your family or friends, you can draw on it and erase the drawing and make another, you can lay in it to make a snow angel, you can eat it (only if its all white) you can melt it for water, you can roll it up and build a snowman, shall I go on?

You snow what? There is no business-like snow business and you can bet the surge of snowfall to start 2024 was welcome by ski hills, skidoo salesmen, and snow removal businesses.  Businesses selling snow shovels and snow blowers can expect a boom in business once significant snow dictates their use.

Snow matter what, winter normally, and usually includes the white stuff. Powder to the people. For goodness flake, enough with the snow puns already!

Some people consider snow a four-letter curse word, while others jump at the chance to play in it. Snow sport enthusiasts cherish the opportunity to take in their favourite winter sports once the snow fall allows it.  The Winter Olympics include a variety of ice and snow sports, of which snow sports dominate the long list of competitive events.

Many of us lamented a non-white Christmas but as the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for.

As of Jan. 10, snow has been a consistent weather word. Snow helps insulate the ground below, holding in heat and preventing moisture from evaporating into the atmosphere. Even on top of other frozen material, such as permafrost and river ice or sea ice, snow cover prevents ice from forming as quickly.

Some people say their feelings that describe snow can be magical, quiet, peaceful while others describe it as cold, unwelcome and blinding.

Did you know researchers studies the acoustic properties of snow and claim it absorbs 60% of sound, hence the feelings of calm and serenity that accompany snowy environments. When light, fluffy snow accumulates on the ground, it acts as a sound absorber, dampening sound waves much like commercial sound absorbing products

Never underestimate the power of snow as avalanches are a deadly force of nature created by layers of snow that collapse and slide downhill gaining power and force as it descends.  Avalanches are caused by four factors that include a steep slope, snow cover, a week layer of snow cover and a trigger.

The downside of snow that comes in the form of a snow storm or blizzard is its ability to greatly inhibit safe travel by reducing visibility and accumulating on highways in snow drifts.

It is hard to believe that a snowfall is a result of thousands and thousands of snowflakes falling together. Snowflakes are unique and for those that choose to take in their beauty, take a close-up picture of a single flake and notice its complexity of the beautiful, tiny creation.

Why is snow considered so magical? The way snowflakes fall from the sky, especially those big, fluffy flakes can be mesmerizing and beautiful.  Snow transforms a landscape covering everything in a blanket of white creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

You know what they say about snow, “Don't flurry, be happy.”