Weather
New York Snow: Why 1 Inch Can Mean 20 in Buffalo, Rochester
Buffalo, NY – As New York prepares for winter, residents from Buffalo to Rochester may notice something surprising about snowfall forecasts. Two communities can receive similar amounts of moisture fro
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-11-10T07:32:18.146Z
Buffalo, NY – As New York prepares for winter, residents from Buffalo to Rochester may notice something surprising about snowfall forecasts. Two communities can receive similar amounts of moisture from winter storms but experience dramatically different snow accumulations. Under certain atmospheric conditions, just 1 inch of liquid precipitation can produce approximately 20 inches of snow.
The explanation involves a measurement known as the snow to liquid ratio, which helps meteorologists estimate how much snow will accumulate from a given amount of moisture.
Why One Inch Can Produce 20 Inches of Snow
A traditional forecasting guideline uses a 10 to 1 ratio, meaning 1 inch of liquid water produces approximately 10 inches of snow.
However, actual snowfall ratios can vary considerably.
Heavy, wet snow may have a ratio near 5 to 1, producing roughly 5 inches from 1 inch of liquid precipitation.
Colder, fluffier snow can sometimes reach a 20 to 1 ratio, producing approximately 20 inches from the same amount of moisture.
Buffalo and Rochester: Why Lake Effect Snow Matters
Buffalo's proximity to Lake Erie and Rochester's location near Lake Ontario create unique winter weather conditions.
When cold air moves across relatively warmer lake waters, it absorbs heat and moisture, sometimes producing intense bands of lake effect snow.
These narrow snow bands can produce substantial accumulations in one community while nearby areas receive significantly less.
Wind direction determines where the heaviest lake effect snow develops, while atmospheric temperatures influence snowflake structure and density.
What New York Residents Should Know
Wet, heavy snow can place additional stress on trees, power lines and rooftops, increasing the potential for damage.
Lighter, fluffier snow may accumulate more deeply while containing less water per inch.
Lake effect snow can also create rapidly changing visibility and road conditions, particularly along Interstate 90 and surrounding highways.
Understanding snow to liquid ratios helps explain why snowfall forecasts can change even when expected precipitation amounts remain similar.
For New York residents, both the moisture available and the way snow develops can determine how much ultimately accumulates.