Depth hoar

 ( Snow ) 

Depth hoar, also called sugar snow or temperature gradient snow (or TG snow), are large snow- occurring at the base of a snowpack that form when uprising water vapor deposits, or desublimates, onto existing snow crystals. Depth hoar crystals are large, sparkly grains with that can be cup-shaped and that are up to 10 mm in diameter. Depth hoar crystals bond poorly to each other, increasing the risk for .

The formation of depth hoar in Arctic or Antarctic firn can cause isotopic changes in the accumulating ice. This can influence analysis of in scientific research.

• Depth Hoar, Avalanches, And Wet Slabs: A Case Study Of The Historic March, 2012 Wet Slab Avalanche Cycle At Bridger Bowl, Montana montana.edu.
• The formation rate of depth hoar J. C. Giddings E. LaChapelle, First published in June 1962.

• The Avalanche Encyclopedia, extensive summary with animation of formation process