TypeAlso CalledHow it formsWhat it means Looks likeSounds likeSnowpit symbol New snowHas over 100 common names Falls from the sky Can mean weak layer or slab Rounded snowEquilibrium Age-hardened ET Small temp gradients within snowpack promote settlement as snow ages Strong layers – usually forms slab or bed surfaces Faceted snow Depth hoar Squares Sugar snow Recrystallized Loud powder TG Large temp gradients within snowpack cause “kinetic“ metamorphism Especially dangerous weak layer: common cause of avalanche accidents! CrustRime Rain crust Sun crust Wind crust Variety of crusts are formed in a variety of ways Can be slabs, weak interfaces, or bed surfaces Wet snowMelt-freeze Clustered grain Corn snow Glop Free water in the snowpack Wet snow avalanches – both sluffs and slabs  = Rime crust = Wind crust = Rain or Sun crust o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o