Perhaps it snowed overnight while you were sleeping?
Light snowfall can easily go unnoticed during the day because, unlike rain, it makes no sound.
I suppose it's also possible for snow to seem to gain weight by compacting slightly if the temperature raises above freezing slightly during the day.
'Ya know how dew is formed on the ground overnight in summer when the temperature drops to the "dew point"? Well, the same thing also happens in winter, except it's referred to as "frost point"...
... Perhaps extra mass is also gained overnight from condensation in the air as the frost-point temperate is reached and air moisture freezes on the existing snow, making it heavier?
Not heavier, so much as stickier. Snow in some places comes down light and soft, but then compacts and sticks together as it settles and especially as it melts. The force required to move it initially is greater, because it clings together.
Think of lifting and breaking a crust at the same time.
ElderPede here: Don't fret there is always someone smarter than me to answer unrelated questions. That's one of the reasons I loved coming to T_D and here.
I got one for you who have smart brains; if water cannot be compressed, why isn't it called a super solid?
Because a phase change occurs way before the atoms of water cease all motion and take on the properties similar to a single atom. Supersolid is considered a phase of matter that occurs at extremely low temperatures. Water doesn't have a chance. :(
Thank you Sir/Ma'am. I love to learn. I hate it when people say they're too old to learn. I'm 72 and I learn something new everyday here and love every minute of it.
It becomes heavier because it compacts as more snow falls and adds weight to it.
You underestimated the amount of extra snow that fell because it snowed overnight or it snowed very lightly and intermittently.
Perhaps it snowed overnight while you were sleeping?
Light snowfall can easily go unnoticed during the day because, unlike rain, it makes no sound.
I suppose it's also possible for snow to seem to gain weight by compacting slightly if the temperature raises above freezing slightly during the day.
'Ya know how dew is formed on the ground overnight in summer when the temperature drops to the "dew point"? Well, the same thing also happens in winter, except it's referred to as "frost point"...
... Perhaps extra mass is also gained overnight from condensation in the air as the frost-point temperate is reached and air moisture freezes on the existing snow, making it heavier?
Not heavier, so much as stickier. Snow in some places comes down light and soft, but then compacts and sticks together as it settles and especially as it melts. The force required to move it initially is greater, because it clings together.
Think of lifting and breaking a crust at the same time.
ElderPede here: Don't fret there is always someone smarter than me to answer unrelated questions. That's one of the reasons I loved coming to T_D and here.
I got one for you who have smart brains; if water cannot be compressed, why isn't it called a super solid?
Because a phase change occurs way before the atoms of water cease all motion and take on the properties similar to a single atom. Supersolid is considered a phase of matter that occurs at extremely low temperatures. Water doesn't have a chance. :(
Thank you Sir/Ma'am. I love to learn. I hate it when people say they're too old to learn. I'm 72 and I learn something new everyday here and love every minute of it.
is this the same snow that doesnt melt when held to fire? or regular snow?