The season of winter has slightly less than two months to go before it officially ends, and what will happen weather-wise? We could get anywhere between an inch and a yard of snow before winter finally yields to warmer spring temperatures. We’ve had some mild days in the 50s and also some sub-zero days and a moderate amount of frozen precipitation so far. 

Having to go somewhere during a snow or ice storm is no fun for most people; the roads and walking paths can be slick, and driving can be treacherous. Yet the same ice that causes us a lot of problems over the winter can also be a sight to behold in the right circumstances. A frozen waterfall is always fun to see, as well as long tendrils of hoarfrost on tree branches during a cold foggy morning in the river valley. Most of us enjoy some sort of winter activity, whether it be skiing, ice fishing, sledding with the kids or just simply taking a walk in the snow to see what animal tracks have been left by various animals.

When the temperature of water falls below its freezing point, the molecular structure forms a hexagonal crystal structure with neighboring water molecules as it changes from a liquid to a solid. The evidence if this structure can be seen when looking at a single snowflake or certain frost patterns on windows or other objects. The same properties that make frozen water a nuisance when navigating in it or trying to clear the driveway of it can also make it a wonder of nature when observed closely. Also, skiing and ice fishing conditions appear to be better this year than the last few years; enjoy it!