iStockphoto / Glenn Pettersen
Skiers at the Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado were treated to a rare sight over the weekend when a massive ‘Snownado‘ tore down the mountain.
Throngs of skiers waiting for the lift in Breckenridge were huddled tight as the powerful and rare ‘Snownado’ came dangerously close to the crowd. And for skiers coming down the mountain, the rare weather phenomenon represented a terrifying obstacle so many stopped atop the mountain and waited for it to pass.
Footage of the rare weather event has gone viral (also seen on X):
‘Snownado’ is the name many are calling it but this weather phenomenon goes by many existing names. It is called a Snow Devil, Ice Devil, Snowspout, or Ice Spout.
According to the Skybrary, Snowspouts are typically weak compared to tornados but they have been recorded reaching EF1 intensity on the Enhanced Fujita Scale with gusts of 86-110 MPH and are clearly capable of wreaking havoc.
While the Snownado is a pretty epic weather phenomenon, we’re definitely partial to the Firenado:
It never ceases to amazes us here at BroBible what Planet Earth is capable of. Everyone be sure to keep your heads on a swivel out there when weather conditions get extreme.