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

Stooping to right the slip-strings, he sees that the dog's feet have been cut by the snow crust and are bleeding.

From The Story of the Trapper by Laut, A. C.

Soon his hand found an indentation in the snow crust, and he started to creep forward again.

From The Snowshoe Trail by Marshall, Edison

Tracks as large as a cow, great rents in the snow crust, through which the brown earth showed in spots; these were some of the traces.

From Habits, Haunts and Anecdotes of the Moose and Illustrations from Life by Jones, Burt

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

He knew what the Chinook could do to a snow crust.

From The Snowshoe Trail by Marshall, Edison