Here in Ohio, winter can be inconvenient—but it can also be really beautiful.

If you’ve lived in Ohio for a few years, you may have seen some curious-looking snow figures pop up during the winter months. What look like mini snow bales are actually called snow rollers. When the conditions are just right, these rare formations cover the fields of Ohio and baffle those unfamiliar with them. Read on to learn more about this natural phenomenon in Ohio. 

During the winter months, snow rollers can pop up nearly anywhere. It's a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when large snowballs are formed naturally via wind.
WCN 24/7/Flickr
They can range in size from a few inches to more than a foot wide.
You'll often find them in the wide open fields and rolling hills of Ohio Amish Country. Pictured is a view from End of the Commons General Store in Mesopotamia, Ohio.
snow rollers
End of the Commons General Store/Facebook
They can look pretty strange from afar, as if someone was in the process of making a snowman or two—but there are no footprints around.

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In addition to strong winds, snow rollers are formed when wet snow near freezing temperatures is combined with a thin layer of ice.
Mylène/Flickr
When the conditions are just right, this rare natural phenomenon adds some extra winter magic.
snow rollers
Jbinder, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Please note that snow rollers form in ideal conditions, so it’s not guaranteed that you’ll see them every winter. But do keep your eyes peeled after the next heavy snowfall, you might get lucky!

In the winter of 2014, snow rollers were popping up all over northeast Ohio. To learn more about them, watch the short video below:

Have you ever seen snow rollers before? If so, share your photos with us!

Snow rollers aren’t the only natural phenomena in our state, check out this article featuring another rare event in Ohio that will blow your mind!

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More to Explore

Winters In Ohio

Melanie J. | January 26, 2024

Does it snow a lot in Ohio during the winter months?

The short answer is yes it snows a lot in Ohio during the winter. In fact, Ohio is one of the snowiest states in the nation. Here are some of our worst winter storms:

  • Winter of 1910
  • November of 1913 
  • November of 1950 
  • Winter of 1977/1978
  • January of 1985
  • Solstice Snowstorm of 2004

Read our article telling you more about the worst winter storms in Ohio. 

What are the best frozen waterfalls in Ohio?

During the colder months, the Buckeye State transforms into a winter wonderland, and these are some of the best frozen waterfalls in Ohio that are pure winter magic. 

  • Upper Falls, Hocking Hills State Park
  • Tinkers Creek Falls, Bedford
  • Clifton Gorge Falls, Yellow Springs
  • Charleston Falls, Tipp City
  • Rockbridge Falls, Rockbridge
  • Bridal Veil Falls, Walton Hills
  • Blue Hen Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park
  • Hayden Falls, Dublin
  • West Milton Cascades, West Milton
  • Buttermilk Falls, Brecksville
  • Cedar Falls, Hocking Hills State Park
  • West Elyria Falls, Elyria
  • Brandywine Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park
  • Honey Run Falls, Millwood

Be sure to read our article to discover more about these frozen waterfalls in Ohio. 

What are some fun winter day trips in Ohio?

If you’re searching for fun winter day trips in Ohio, these are some of our favorites that we recommend:

  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Akron
  • Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, Nelsonville
  • The Chalet Tobogganing, Strongsville
  • Equestrian Ridge Farm, New Plymouth
  • RiverScape MetroPark Ice Rink, Dayton
  • Alpine Valley Ski Area, Chesterland
  • Snow Trails, Mansfield
  • Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell

Check out our website to discover more fun winter day trips in Ohio.

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