Here in Ohio, winter can be inconvenient—but it can also be really beautiful.
If you’ve lived in Ohio for a few years, you may have seen some curious looking snow figures pop up during the winter months. What looks like mini snow bales are actually called snow rollers. When the conditions are just right, these rare formations cover the fields of Ohio and baffle those unfamiliar with them.
During the winter months, snow rollers can pop up nearly anywhere. It’s a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when large snowballs are formed naturally via wind.
WCN 24/7/Flickr They can range in size from a few inches to more than a foot wide.
You’ll often find them in the wide open fields and rolling hills of Ohio Amish Country. Pictured is a view from End of the Commons General Store in Mesopotamia, Ohio.
End of the Commons General Store/Facebook They can look pretty strange from afar, as if someone was in the process of making a snowman or two—but there are no footprints around.
In addition to strong winds, snow rollers are formed when wet snow near freezing temperatures is combined with a thin layer of ice.
Mylène/Flickr When the conditions are just right, this rare natural phenomena adds some extra winter magic.
In the winter of 2014, snow rollers were popping up all over northeast Ohio. To learn more about them, watch the short video below:
WCN 24/7/Flickr
They can range in size from a few inches to more than a foot wide.
End of the Commons General Store/Facebook
They can look pretty strange from afar, as if someone was in the process of making a snowman or two—but there are no footprints around.
Mylène/Flickr
When the conditions are just right, this rare natural phenomena adds some extra winter magic.
Have you ever seen snow rollers before? If so, share your photos with us!
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