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

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

Suddenly, in an interval between two naps, I heard a sound different from the soughing of the wind, a sound like claws or toenails scratching on the snow crust.

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

In a few days the snow crust would be firm enough to trust, and hand in hand they would go down toward Bradleyburg.

From The Snowshoe Trail by Marshall, Edison

The ground is an excellent transmitter of sound and the heavy snow crust was hardly less effective.

From The Boy Scouts in A Trapper's Camp by Burgess, Thornton W. (Thornton Waldo)

Previously their sport had been many times interrupted either by the fall of fresh snow or a thaw that had softened the snow crust; but now every afternoon was too perfect to remain indoors.

From The Voice of the Pack by Marshall, Edison