Ice crust example (IMAGE)
Caption
A cross-section of snowpack reveals a thin, darker ice layer running horizontally through the snow. Ice layers like this one form when rain falls onto snow and freezes, forming a crust. This creates a boundary within the snowpack that can cause snow to slip and trigger an avalanche. New research from the University of Washington shows that as the climate warms, more parts of the Pacific Northwest will likely see increased avalanche risks due to these icy crusts.
Credit
Clinton Alden
Usage Restrictions
Reproduction with attribution allowed.
License
Original content