TownLift reader Ben Gross was out walking his dog in Summit Park when a Snownado appeared in the path ahead. Photo: Benjamin Gross

Snownados are a very rare phenomenon created when surface wind shear generates a vortex over snow-covered ground. This results in a swirling column of snow lifted into the air.

SUMMIT PARK, Utah — TownLift reader Ben Gross was out walking his dog in Summit Park when a Snownado appeared in the path ahead. Pausing and taking out his phone Ben captured this rare weather phenomenon also known as a “snow devil”.

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The World Meteorological Organization describes snownados as very rare phenomenon created when surface wind shear generates a vortex over snow-covered ground. This results in a swirling column of snow lifted into the air—a sight that’s similar to a ‘dust devil’ but with snow instead.

Wales Online reports that snow devils up to 50ft high and 30ft wide have been reported, capable of lifting heavy objects. However most are smaller and, unlike tornadoes, are rarely dangerous.

The snownado phenomenon should not be confused with the “sharknado” popularized in film—thankfully we don’t have those out here!

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