BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. – A magnificent spectacle of nature was witnessed at Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado earlier this week.
A rare snow devil, also known as a “snownado,” formed Saturday before a mesmerized crowd.
Video captured by Dree Kinder shows the fascinating phenomenon created when warm air from the ground and cold air from the upper atmosphere merge, producing a swirling vortex of snow and wind.
“Oh what a day it was,” Kinder posted on TikTok along with a clip of the action on the slopes.
RARE ‘SNOW DEVIL’ SPOTTED SPINNING ACROSS THE FROZEN COUNTRYSIDE IN SCOTLAND
Although snow devils are weaker than tornadoes, they nonetheless showcase the same principles of nature, creating an awe-inspiring sight.
The World Meteorological Organization says wind shear – the change in wind speed and/or direction – near the surface will then generate a vortex over the snow, resulting in a spinning column of snow that is lofted into the air.