Final answer:
Orographic snowfall requires 1)temperature, humidity, and wind direction for the moist air to rise over mountains, cool down, and precipitate on the windward side. Elevation, latitude, and mountain barriers also influence this phenomenon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three factors needed for orographic snowfall are temperature, humidity, and wind direction. When moist air from the ocean encounters a mountain range, it is forced to rise. As the air rises, it cools down, and the water vapor within it condenses to form clouds and eventually precipitates on the windward side of the mountain. This process is influenced by the temperature of the air (which affects its capacity to hold moisture), the amount of moisture or humidity in the air, and the wind direction which drives the air mass against the mountain range. Additionally, factors such as elevation, latitude, and the presence of a mountain barrier play a significant role in this phenomenon as they can affect the regional climate, and thereby influence temperature and precipitation patterns. Orographic precipitation is crucial in defining the climate and water resources of a region, affecting both the windward and leeward sides of the mountain with varying climate conditions.