Common "Lake Effect" Snow Locations in North America Lake Effect snows don't only occur on the Great lakes, but are common in other parts of the country as well.  One prime example is across Cape Cod on the New England Coast.  In that scenario, a huge High centered over the province of Quebec, pumps a northeast to east flow of arctic air across the ocean, including the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream.  Although not as common, this same type of snow can occur when east winds channel up Long Island Sound, or southeast winds channel up Chesapeake Bay.  Finally, lake effect snows often occur off the Great Salt Lake in Utah (don't worry though, the snow isn't salty!!).