Ohio does not have any mountain ranges that provide significant snow for the state. However, the northern part of Ohio, particularly the snowbelt region near Lake Erie, receives the highest snowfall amounts. The lake-effect snow is created when cold air passes over the relatively warmer waters of Lake Erie, resulting in heavy snowfall. The snowbelt region includes areas such as Cleveland, Ashtabula, and Erie counties.

The runoff from snowmelt in Ohio contributes to several important rivers and watersheds, including the Maumee River, which flows into Lake Erie, and the Muskingum River, which eventually drains into the Ohio River.

Ohio's winter climate is generally characterized by cold temperatures and occasional heavy snowfall, with an average snowfall ranging from around 30 inches in the southern part of the state to over 70 inches in the snowbelt region.

While Ohio may not be known for its mountains or extensive snowpack, it has a rich history in relation to snow science and winter activities. The city of Akron, Ohio, is often referred to as the "Snow Capital of America" due to its long history in developing snow removal equipment. Furthermore, Ohio is home to a world-renowned snow research facility, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, which conducts extensive research on snowpack and its impacts on water resources across the United States.