snow accumulations

USAGE SUMMARY

"snow accumulations" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the amount of snow that has built up over a period of time. An example: "The forecast predicts significant snow accumulations by tomorrow morning." Alternative expressions include "snow buildup" and "snow deposits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Expect snow accumulations in late November".

The New York Times - Travel

Snowmobiles and tracked vehicles are used in areas where large snow accumulations are typical.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Extremely dangerous travel conditions developing due to significant snow accumulations," it said.

The New York Times

In winter, snow accumulations are heaviest on the south side of the Alaska Range.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Forecasters predicted snow accumulations, by the storm's end, of up to two feet in Massachusetts, 20 inches in Pennsylvania, and 15 inches in Connecticut.

The New York Times

Mr. Judge said the governor was still evaluating whether to ask for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on behalf of some counties with extreme snow accumulations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It is the first measurable snow accumulation in a month.

The New York Times

But surface rail lines may be affected by suspensions, depending on snow accumulation.

The Guardian

Those in traditional areas of hefty snow accumulation evidenced a wise-cracking stoicism.

The New York Times

One might want information on possible snow accumulation, and another only temperatures.

The New York Times

"The deep snow accumulation will make shoveling very difficult," warned the National Weather Service, "and potentially deadly".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal meteorological reports, pair this phrase with specific measurements like "inches" or "centimeters" for clarity.

Common error

Do not use "snow accumulations" when you mean the speed at which snow is currently falling. Accumulation refers to the total result of the event (the depth on the ground), while snowfall rate refers to the intensity of the storm. For example, say "heavy snowfall" for a blizzard in progress, but "significant "snow accumulations"" for the resulting mess on the road.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "snow accumulations" serves as a plural noun phrase consisting of the modifier "snow" and the head noun "accumulations". In Ludwig, it frequently functions as the subject or object of sentences describing weather outcomes, such as "significant "snow accumulations" occurred".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Professional

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "snow accumulations" is a grammatically correct and widely used term in English, particularly within weather reporting and scientific research. Based on data from Ludwig, it is most frequently employed to describe the total amount of snow remaining on the ground after one or more weather events. While it is synonymous with snow buildup, it carries a more formal and precise connotation. Writers should use it when the focus is on the quantity and resulting impact of the snow rather than the act of it falling. The phrase is highly respected for its clarity in professional contexts, appearing in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snow accumulation

Uses the singular form, often referring to a single event or a total amount in one spot

snow buildup

Slightly more informal, focusing on the physical mass of snow gathered over time

accumulated snow

Uses the past participle as an adjective to describe the state of the snow on the ground

snowfall totals

Focuses specifically on the amount that fell during a storm rather than what remains on the ground

snow deposits

More technical or scientific, often used when discussing how wind or geography places snow

snowpack

Refers to the total seasonal depth of snow in mountain or arctic regions

snow depth

Specifically denotes the vertical measurement of snow currently on the surface

winter accumulation

A broader term that might include both snow and ice over a full season

snow cover

Focuses on the area or extent covered by snow rather than the depth or volume

fresh snowfall

Refers to newly fallen snow specifically, rather than the total amount accumulated

FAQs

When should I use "snow accumulations" instead of "snow accumulation"?

You should use the plural "snow accumulations" when referring to totals across different regions or from multiple separate storms. The singular "snow accumulation" is more common when discussing the specific total for a single storm in one location.

What is a more informal way to say "snow accumulations"?

You can use the term "snow buildup" if you want to sound less like a weather reporter and more like a casual observer.

Is "snow accumulations" correct in scientific writing?

Yes, it is highly appropriate. As seen in Ludwig, scientific journals frequently use "snow accumulations" when discussing hydrology, glacier mass balance and structural engineering.

How do I use "snow accumulations" in a sentence about travel?

A typical example would be: "Travelers should be cautious as significant "snow accumulations" are expected to make roads slippery by dawn."