Snow and turbulence

[hilarynjon]

when it comes to weather, is snow a factor in turbulence, when you are flying over the state that has the snow showers? Is snow better than flying over thunder storms and the jet stream?
thanks

[pinworm]

Not sure, but except in the case of a blizzard, snow conditions are generally SMOOTHER. Snow requires low pressure and a dew point just around 32ish degrees, if it is precipitating out of the sky, the winds are not whipping it back up into the clouds so they are somewhat calmer. However, snow is never very high in the atmosphere, you will only ever fly though it on approach or take off, not at cruise.

[hokiemas]

Based on my very limited knowledge of turbulence, most turbulence is caused by wind. Therefore, you can fly through rain and have no bumps whatsoever, but you can fly through rain and have a really bumpy ride. The same would apply to snow. It all depends on the wind.

[LloydFraser]

And it only applies when you are flying in snow/rain. If you are above the storm it doesn't really matter what's underneath. Only the wind makes a difference. the temperature is always below freezing point at normal flight altitudes anyway.