LAKE EFFECT SNOWS
Lake Effect snows take place when very cold continental polar air (cP) moves across the Great Lakes. Because the water is fairly warm (no ice) it evaporates into the cold air. But, the cold air becomes rapidly saturated with water and clouds and snow develop. As a result, the downwind side of the Great Lakes have this unique winter phenomena.
LAKE ONTARIO SNOW NOVEMBER 24, 2005
This first image shows the northwestern part of Lake Ontario (looking north over Canada). The air is moving from left to right (out of the WNW). The air over the west side of the lake is clear, but clouds develop rapidly as the warm water of the lake evaporates into the cold air.
Further to the east (around Rochester, NY) the Lake Ontario is covered with clouds and flurries can be seen beneath the clouds.
Here again the lake is beneath the clouds and more snow can be seen falling from the base of the clouds, especially just to the right of center.
This view of lake effect snows is from Oswego, NY during a slight pause in the heavy snow.
For pictures of snowflakes follow this LINK.