Hi Boys and Girls,

It snowed all day on Monday.  I just love snow.  I love to roll in it, bury my nose in it, and eat it.  I sure wish it snowed everyday all year long.  I met some teachers from Southern California and they said it never snows where they live. I can’t imagine that.  They said their students are so interested in what this cold white stuff is.  So, I want to try to explain to those of you in areas that it doesn’t snow, what snow is. 

Snow is a type of precipitation. Do you know what other types of precipitation there are? Snow is formed from ice crystals within the clouds. It usually falls from the sky as white flakes which accumulate on the ground.  You can hold snow, play in snow, and have snowball fights when there is enough of it.  The temperature needs to be cold, around freezing or below for the snow to stay on the ground.  Once the temperature warms up, the snow melts leaving water.

Snow is important because like rain it is a source of fresh water (after it melts).  Snow is also very important for the Iditarod trail.  Snow is needed for the sleds to be able to travel smoothly down the trail.  Sleds don’t do too well on dirt and rocks. 

This year, there looks to be plenty of snow along the trail.  There sure is a lot of it in Anchorage! I hope all of you who have never seen snow get the chance to.  When you do, make a snow angel for me! 

See you on the snowy trail,

Gypsy