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Rare Snow Phenomenon Captured in Michigan Gains Online Attention
A captivating image of “snow rollers,” an uncommon weather phenomenon, recently went viral on Reddit, drawing widespread curiosity and admiration. The photo, taken in Michigan, showcases numerous doughnut-shaped snow formations scattered across a field.
Viewers on the platform marveled at the whimsical sight, with one commenter describing it as “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.” The peculiar formations even inspired playful nicknames such as “snonuts,” “Snoghetti-Os,” and “snowman toilet paper.”
Despite their unusual appearance, snow rollers are a natural phenomenon that occur under specific weather conditions. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), these formations develop when a layer of light but sticky snow covers the ground. Strong winds or gravity then roll the snow into tube-like shapes, which can grow larger with subsequent gusts.
Duane Friend, a climate change specialist with the University of Illinois Extension, explained that snow rollers are more likely to form when light, sticky snow rests atop an older, crusty snow layer. “They can be found more often on hillslopes where gravity starts the rolling, but are still rare,” said Friend, who last witnessed the phenomenon two decades ago. On flat terrain, winds of approximately 25–30 miles per hour are typically required to initiate the rolling process.
Friend added that snow rollers are most likely to appear in unobstructed landscapes with minimal vegetation and near-freezing temperatures. While rare, these formations have been observed in various snowy regions worldwide, including parts of North America, such as Colorado, Vermont, and even downtown Ottawa, Ontario, according to a 2018 CBC report.
For many, spotting snow rollers in person remains an elusive experience. “I’ve lived in Michigan my whole [67-year-old] life and have never seen, or heard of rollers before,” one Reddit user commented beneath the viral post.
Though rare, snow rollers continue to fascinate those lucky enough to witness their fleeting beauty, even if only through photographs shared online.
