Rare ‘Snow Rollers’ Form Naturally in Suttons Bay, Michigan, as Perfect Winter Conditions Create Unusual Cylinders Across a Residential Yard

Suttons Bay, Michigan — A rare winter phenomenon known as snow rollers appeared across a residential yard in northern Michigan this week, surprising residents and catching the attention of meteorologists nationwide. The naturally formed snow cylinders, which resemble neatly rolled pastries or miniature hay bales, are extremely uncommon and occur only when a very specific combination of weather conditions takes place.

What Snow Rollers Are and Why They’re So Rare

According to the National Weather Service, snow rollers form only when fresh, sticky snow sits atop a smooth surface, such as a layer of ice or crusted snow that prevents it from adhering. For the cylinders to develop, wind must be strong enough to push the snow into a curl, but not so strong that it tears the structure apart. These delicate requirements make snow rollers one of the rarest naturally occurring winter phenomena.

Meteorologists explain that the rolls start small and gain size as wind continues pushing them across the surface, creating a cinnamon roll-like spiral that is impossible to replicate by hand. Many snow rollers also form hollow centers, giving them the appearance of a rolled-up tube.

Michigan Resident Captures Dozens of Snow Rollers

Photos taken Tuesday evening in Suttons Bay show dozens of snow rollers scattered across a yard, illuminated by nearby home and street lights. Some were small and tightly wound, while others were larger cylinders several inches across. The formations appeared both uphill and downhill, demonstrating how wind direction and terrain played a major role in shaping them.

Local residents expressed disbelief when viewing the yard, noting that the structures looked as though someone had manually rolled them—yet they formed entirely on their own.

NWS: A Phenomenon Worth Appreciating

The National Weather Service emphasized that spotting snow rollers is a rare privilege. Because the conditions required for their formation are so precise, many people go their entire lives without seeing them in person.

The required setup includes:

• A light, sticky layer of fresh snow
• A smooth, icy surface beneath
• Moderate but steady winds
• Temperatures cold enough to hold the structure together

If any element is missing, the phenomenon will not occur.

A Moment of Winter Wonder for the Community

As cold air and passing snow bands continue to move across northern Michigan, officials say the event provided a unique moment of beauty during a typical winter stretch. Meteorologists encourage residents to photograph snow rollers if they ever see them, as they can disappear quickly with a shift in temperature or wind. For more rare weather stories, Midwest winter coverage, and daily updates, visit NapervilleLocal.com for continuing reporting.

Source: Foxweather.com