Gray snow mold is a disease that infects lawns during winter in the presence of snow cover, ice cover or geottextile cover. The longer the snow period the greater the infection. Factors involved in disease reduction: Clearing snow in early spring without letting it melt slowly on the lawn Early removal of ice cover Avoid compacting the snow by traffic or winter games Reduce thatch thickness during the growing season A severe infection requires a longer period of spring time to recover. If the months of April and May are constantly cold and wet, diseased spots may be invaded by weeds, algae and moss.