|
Winter is in full swing in Upstate New York. I've already
griped many times about how much I dislike the winter and getting hit with a
snowball might be on the top of the list of reasons to move south. (To be fair,
hitting someone with a snowball is the top of the list of reasons to like the
winter.) Making the perfect
snowball requires particular conditions and some dedication. Fortunately
for you, I found some tips on how to make the perfect snowball.
Image Credit:
Futurenostalgia
Sticky snow is the key to the perfect snowball. Powdery
snow won't hold together and slushy snow will turn into a useless hunk of ice.
Sticky snow, also known as packing snow, forms when the temperature hovers
around 32°F (0°C) and when the air is
not too dry. According to Jordy Hendrikx, director of the Snow and Avalanche
Laboratory at Montana State University, snow at this temperature doesn't
contain any liquid water so when the grains of ice begin to melt, each one
forms a wet meniscus. The menisci work as "snowball glue" which refreezes.
Image Credit:
Guardian
In order to make
a snowball, you should scoop up a blob of
snow that's a little more than your cupped hands can hold since you'll lose
some as you start to pack. Begin squeezing the snow together into a ball using
gentle but firm pressure to ensure the ice grain melt and refreeze. Continue to
twist the snow in your hands until you have a sphere (aka a snowball.)
In a casual (read: snow day war) snowball fight, the
surface moisture is the most important factor. While packing a snowball you
might be able create enough force that some of the snow crosses the pressure
threshold which causes it to liquefy and refreeze, the amount of pressure you
would need to melt ice could only be created in space or a lab. The trick to
making a snowball with low-moisture snow is to find a place where the snow is
slightly warmer, such as closer to your house. If all else fails just lie in
the snow for a few minutes; the heat from your body should melt the snow a bit
and provide the moisture needed for packing. If the snow is a few inches deep,
skip the snow on the surface. The bottom layer of snow will already be a bit
packed and save you some work.
Some tips:
- It doesn't make a difference if you make the
snowball with your bare hands or gloved hands, so you're better off wearing
gloves so your hands don't get cold. This also means you can make more
snowballs.
Snowballs get better after sitting for a bit
since they will have a chance to refreeze and pack tighter. If you can, make
the snowballs ahead of time.
So, if we have to be stuck with this snow a bit longer we
might as well have some
fun with an epic snowball fight!
| 
Re: Just For Fun: The Perfect Snowball
