snow crust

American  

noun

1. a relatively hard, upper layer or film of ice or compacted snow on a snow surface.

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Etymology

Origin of snow crust

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

snow crust

The next day Smith went out again, but the noise made by the snow crust breaking under his feet frightened the deer he saw, and he could not get a shot at them.

From Stories Of Ohio by Howells, William Dean

He needed a perfect snow crust for the long tramp over the ridge; and at last the bright days and the icy dawns had made it.

From The Voice of the Pack by Marshall, Edison

Cutting a pole, Addison then belabored the snow crust about the hole with resounding whacks—still with no result.

From A Busy Year at the Old Squire's by Stephens, C. A. (Charles Asbury)

The hush of death brooded over the frozen forest, a hush in which the scratching of a dry leaf across the icy snow crust could be plainly heard for some distance.

From Followers of the Trail by Stecher, William F. (William Frederick)

He slid along the snow crust, clear to the mouth of the lean-to.

From The Voice of the Pack by Marshall, Edison