drifting snow

drifting snow

[′drif·tiŋ ′snō] (meteorology) Wind-driven snow raised from the surface of the earth to a height of less than 6 feet (1.8 meters).

Drifting Snow

 

(in Russian, pozemok), wind-driven movement of snow immediately above the surface of a snow cover when no snow is falling. Drifting snow usually occurs in freezing weather, when dry snow crystals slide easily over the surface of frozen soil or a snow cover; wind velocities are usually more than 5 m/sec.

drifting snow

An ensemble of snow particles raised by the wind to a low height—normally less than approximately 7 ft above ground. The visibility is not diminished at eye level.