Wet snow, as the name implies, is snow that is loaded with water. In fact, some wet snowflakes are very nearly turning into raindrops as they near the surface. Technically, a wet snowflake needs to be more than 50% ice to maintain its snowflake form. It's no surprise that wet snow usually falls in a relatively warm environment and often melts as the flakes strike paved surfaces. However, if wet snow falls quickly and is thick enough, the flakes can pull cold air down from high above, cooling the surface and allowing the snow to stick.
---D.M.
