Perfect Conditions for serious snow

the kelt

Ever since the threat of snow was coming a friend of mine directed me here to find out exactly what was going to happen and unfortunately i am now addicted.

Im very much new to all this but i was just wondering what are the perfect conditions for a serious snowfall, something like 1982 and 63. Is it having a cold front coming from NE Europe meeting with a high front from the Atlantic etc etc.

I read somewhere yesterday someone said we came close this time around to the conditions perfect for serious snow so just wondering from the experts what are those conditions perfect for serious snow?

Wibbler

I'm not an expert, but it varies depending on geographical location. What's perfect for the East won't be good for the North West. For example, Jan 1982 affected the East much more than the rest of the country.

A couple of miles can make all the difference. During the recent snow in the East, my location in Nth. Co. Dublin had no more than 1 - 2cm on the ground at any stage, where my friend who lives in Marino a few miles south (and closer to the sea) measured 10cms in his back garden.

In terms of widespread snow, a polar low is your man, I believe:
http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_low

Pangea

Well instead of going into geographics , what would be the perfect conditions for serious snow everywhere in Ireland . Polar lows only last a day or so.