The progression of forming into snow begins high in the earth's atmosphere. The development of these powdery flakes of snow varies on many aspects taking place. Moisture and temperature levels are significant factors in the formation of snow. When there is a lot of moisture in the air, condensation starts to occur. These tiny drops of condensation start to stick together. If the temperature in the higher atmosphere is cold enough, these tiny drops start to freeze and become ice crystals. This is how ice crystals, and eventually snowflakes, get their varying shapes. The moisture droplets cling and freeze together randomly.