Snow Benefits: Each inch of snow acts as an insulating blanket, protecting fall-seeded crops from winterkill, which stops frost penetration into the soil and protects the soil from erosion. On the other hand, when there is little snow, frost penetration into the soil is deep, helping to reduce soil compaction. Light, fluffy snow has little snow equivalent water, while heavy, wet snow can add significant moisture to the soil, improving yield potential. The lack of snow can also aid in reducing insect populations, allowing cold temperatures to penetrate deeply. Snow can also trap nitrogen, nitrate, and ammonium from the atmosphere, free of charge, although the amounts are not large.

Snow Risks: Obviously, snow can delay harvest operations and reduce the quality and grade of crops. The lack of snow can lead to deep frost penetration into soils, freezing them and reducing infiltration in early spring, causing winter kill in fall-seeded crops or forages. Early snow in the season may be lost due to sublimation over the winter, resulting in less water infiltrating the soil. Lack of snowmelt in the spring can cause shortages in dugouts and seed bed moisture for germination. Heavy snow and cold temperatures can also increase livestock feeding requirements.