why pine needles in subzero temps poke out of the snow

Question

It’s 20 below zero in Montana, and the ponderosa pine needles on the ground are rising straight up out of the snow. What could cause this interesting phenomenon?

In: Other

Answer 1

The needle groups are attached to the little bud on the end. This is heavier than the rest of the pine needles, so it gets weighted down at that end. As the snow melts/moves around from wind, the pine needles end up with that end down and the pine needle tips pointing up.