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The rate of consolidation to "spring snow" is appreciably accelerated by wind. The acceleration is due to the greater rate of evaporation of the branches and edges of the snowflakes. If the wind has a low humidity, there may be a large net evaporation from the snow field, but wind with a high humidity may actually deposit moisture or ice. If the moisture freezes immediately, an icy crust or a hoarfrost is formed, depending on the temperature. If it remains wet it may make the snow very unstable and subject to avalanche until frozen. In summary, the effect of wind varies considerably, depending on whether it is above or below freezing, and has a high or low humidity. If the temperature and humidity are both low, no crust need be expected; if the temperature is low, but the humidity is high, wind crust or wind slab will be formed (or hoarfrost); and if the temperature and humidity are both high, the snow will become quite wet. |
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