Snow Mould Spider Webs Emerge From Drifts

Snow Mould  © SB

I saw the first snow mould in the garden today, and now I know why I've been sniffling for the past few days.

Fascinating stuff: While we're huddled inside, sheltered during seven months of winter, a fungus grows like spider webs across the dead leaves and stalks left in our garden. Under the snow! Beneath that weight of frozen water. 

Rain is forecast tonight, and then more snow... Then sunshine.

As soon as the ground dries, we'll rake* the snow mould — it emerged only in the last few days, as the  months-old drifts across our garden magically receded.

(*Or, then again, if eyes turn red and sneezing overcomes the rakers, we'll pray for heat and sunshine... Either way, the garden will be cleared for new growth; the snow mould will be gone. Until next spring...)

Achoo! 

What is this? Snow Mould. 
Location: Backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.  

Photo date: April 29, 2013.

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