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Tis the season for lake effect snow, which can pile up feet of snow within a narrow corridor. Lake effect snow occurs when the water temperature in the Great Lakes are warmer than the air temperature above. The heat and moisture from the lakes rise, forming clouds. Then the winds will carry the clouds onshore dumping snow across inland locations.

If you ever hear the term “full fetch” in relation to lake effect snow, this means the wind is blowing across the entire length of the lake allowing for the air mass to travel the maximum possible distance over water – therefore, picking up the most moisture available and creating the potential for the heaviest snowfall. In other words, “full fetch” means optimal conditions for a lake effect snow event.

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We have seen some blockbuster snow events result from lake effect snow. One of the most notable events occurred in November of 2014, which buried Buffalo in seven feet of snow. It resulted in hundreds of roof collapses, structural damage, stranded motorists and numerous fatalities. While lake effect snow mostly impacts a relatively small region, the impacts can be huge.

J​ennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.