Word(s) describing the sound of wet snow flakes (slowly) falling on snow?

Solution 1:

Based on the audio sample, a few words jump to mind:

pattering

This is often used with raindrops, especially the slow sound of rain on the rooftop. You might also try pitter-pattering.

crunching

I'm not sure if it's just the audio sample, but it sounds very crunchy to me.

crackling

See my thoughts on crunching above. Also, like Rice Crispies: snap, crackle, pop.

settle

"...the sound of the snow as it settles on the ground."

Solution 2:

I listened to the audio clip and was quite surprised... hearing that without the context I never would have guessed it was snow.

Still, if you are game for personification, then I have three suggestions:

I'm listening to the whispering sound of the snow falling.

I'm listening to the murmur of falling snow.

I'm listening to the sigh of falling snow.

These three words evoke the quietude implied in the very act of listening to the snow fall.

Solution 3:

How about "susurration" or, better yet, "susurrus"?

Susurration: a soft, whispering or rustling sound; a murmur.
Susurrus: a soft murmuring or rustling sound; whisper. - TFD

Solution 4:

The late lamented Harry Harrison coined a phrase for this in Bill, the Galactic Hero, in a rousing chorus sung by the deplanned (those who have lost their street plans):-

Stand together One and All

For Brothers Deplanned always shall

Unite and Fight to achieve the Right

That Might shall fail and Truth avail

So that we

who once were free

can someday be

Once more free to see the skies of blue Above

And hear the gentle pitty-pat

Of snow.

Solution 5:

I think crackling best describes the noise from the audio sample:

• short, dry, sharp sounds made by something:

  • We could hear the crackling of a fire.

or tinkling:

• light metallic sounds, as those of a small bell.

( from TFD)