Snow Rollers on the Camas Prairie

Snow Rollers on the Camas Prairie, March 31, 2009

On the evening of March 31st, 2009, Tim Tevebaugh was driving home from work east of Craigmont in the southern Idaho Panhandle (see map below). Across the rolling hay fields, Tim saw a very usual phenonmena. The snow rollers that he took pictures of are extremely rare because of the unique combination of snow, wind, temperature and moisture needed to create them. They form with light but sticky snow and strong (but not too strong) winds. These snow rollers formed during the day as they weren't present in the morning on Tim's drive to work.

Based on estimations from Tim as well as the blades of grass in the picture, most of the snow rollers were about 18" in height, while the largest rollers were about 2 feet tall.

These snow rollers are very rare.
Rare enough in fact, that the National Weather Service Forecast Office Posted the pictures on thier site. (above link)

Nature can bring with it amazing things, one after another.

thats kinda cool
it gota be some dry ass snow, to be able to roll up like that

the pictures of snow on the ground, while we have 80 degree days here in cali, serve to remind me why i didnt take a job in idaho a couple of months ago.
BRRRRRR

It happened in my field in southern idaho also two years ago.
I have pictures but they are not the best! I may post them,
but not tonight! Peace!