3 Factors That Make Snow
Three key factors determine how much snow a home snow gun can produce: water flow (GPM), temperature and humidity, and snow gun design. Watch the video to learn how each factor affects snow production and what you need to know to make the most of your snow gun.
Water Flow (GPM)
The amount of water moving through a snow gun is one of the most important factors in snow output. Water flow is measured in GPM (gallons per minute), and the more water moving through the snow gun, the more snow it can produce.
In general, 1 GPM can produce about 1" of snow per hour, while 2 GPM can produce about 2" per hour. The area covered will vary depending on the snow gun's design. Backyard Snowstorm's real snowmaking machines are designed for different water flow rates and snow outputs.
Compare Snow Gun Outputs
Each of our residential snowguns can produce different amounts of snow. See our Snowgun Comparison chart for more information
Temperature & Humidity
The outside temperature and humidity also play an important role in how much snow a home snow gun can produce. Colder temperatures and lower humidity allow water droplets to freeze more quickly, resulting in better snow production and larger piles.
If you make snow near the edge of snowmaking conditions, you will tend to produce heavier, more dense snow. In most snowmaking conditions, the snow will be great for creating snowballs, building snowmen, and making sledding hills. SEE WEATHER CHART HERE
Snow Gun Nucleation Efficiency
Another important factor is the creation of nucleation ice crystals, which are essential for snow formation. This is where the science comes in! Snow gun nucleators are designed to create extremely small ice crystals that act as nucleation sites where snowflakes can form. Without these small ice crystals, snow cannot form, and if they are too large, snow formation becomes less effective.
Backyard Snowstorm snow guns feature a commercial nucleation nozzle designed for proper ice crystal formation. Over the years, we discovered how important the nucleator is to home snow gun design. Our commercial-grade components improve the efficiency of snow formation so you can make more snow at a lower cost. For a more in-depth look at the science behind snowmaking, CLICK HERE.