john, does smaller bodies of water have the same effect as the large bodies of water on this? rivers, creeks, ponds?

John has talked of this in the past. No, there is not enough moisture in river, creeks and ponds and also not enough suface area to create the lake effect supply.

That is the layman's explanation. John can be more specific if he wants, but I thought I would help since I know for a fact that he is sleepy-night-night already.

thanks for your input. that is good enough for me. must of missed the last time he talked about it. thanks formanek

John must really be tired. I'll supply a couple links where you can learn more:

short version
long version

Be sure to post back if you need some explanations.

Not tired, just busy.

You need the air to travel over about 35-45 miles of water for it to pick up enough moisture and heat to produce lake effect snow.

Therefore rivers, creeks and ponds are too small.

-John

thanks for jumping in john, checked out what else was posted also. was by the mississippi river and there seemed to be more snow near the river than a little further away and was just wondering.

Thanks for those useful links average_joe.