Here's why no two snowflakes are alike

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Snow.

Canadians know it well.

We know its cold, we know it can fall any time of year, and we know that up close, snowflakes look like tiny pieces of art.

33830656 Fiona M Donnelly Port Elmsley, Ontario

Submitted by Fiona M. Donnelly

But what else do you know about snowflakes?

How do they form? And why are no two alike?

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33916406 Monique van Someren Brockville, Ontario

Submitted by Monique Van Someren

"Snowflakes form when tiny water droplets freeze on tiny dust particles in the atmosphere," explains Weather Network meteorologist Kelly Sonnenburg.

The size of a snowflake is dependant on the temperature and moisture present in the atmosphere.

UGC - Wendy Slodoba - Warner, Alberta

Submitted by Wendy Slodoba

"Believe it or not, some of our biggest snowfall events occur when the temperature is just below the freezing mark," Sonnenburg says.

"That's because colder air can't hold as much moisture as milder air can."

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UGC - Dale Matthies

Submitted by Dale Matthies

Water molecules will continue to grow snowflakes and turn them into new shapes, depending on the moisture and temperature present in the atmosphere.

"And that's why no two snowflakes are alike."

UGC - Finoa M Donnelly - snowflake 2

Submitted by Fiona M. Donnelly

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VIDEO: GIANT SNOWFLAKES VS. SMALL SNOWFLAKES