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

In spite of the fact that the sled was heavy and broke through the snow crust as they tugged at it, they had made good time since their departure.

From The Voice of the Pack by Marshall, Edison

The sound had come from close by on our left, but now we heard only a faint and receding patter on the snow crust.

From The Cryptogram A Story of Northwest Canada by Graydon, William Murray

Nearly to where I broke through the snow crust.

From The Crystal Hunters A Boy's Adventures in the Higher Alps by Burton, Frederic William

But even when out on the snow crust the creature lay as inert as a dead bear.

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

He had left the snowshoe trail that evidently passed in front of the shelter and had crossed the snow crust to the mouth of the lean-to.

From The Snowshoe Trail by Marshall, Edison