Understanding snow types SAND SNOW Produced during extremely cold temperatures, and has such a sharp, granular texture it becomes very difficult to ski or walk across. WILD SNOW A very dry, fluffy snow that usually begins to fall during calm periods in the weather and extreme cold snaps. If the wind picks up, dangerous whiteouts can occur.
CORN SNOW Most common in early spring when changing temperatures continually thaw and freeze the accumulated snow. The texture is grainy and is more of a layer of ice crystals, separated by air space than actual snow. It’s sticky to ski across and very difficult to walk on without falling through.
ROTTEN SNOW A dangerous circumstance caused by snow repeatedly melting and WIND-PACKED SNOW freezing on the upper layer (common The fallen (and accumulated) on the south side of a hill), which in snow has been heavily compacted turn causes water to seep through by strong winds. The pressure of to the lower layer. With the top layer the blowing wind causes a “coldacting as an insulator, the water heat” hardening effect, which on the bottom never freezes. The creates an excellent surface to walk problem is, the snow may look safe to on without breaking through. It’s walk across, but it will collapse when also one of the best materials to you least expect it. make igloo blocks. GP_Demsis_OttawaOutdoors.pdf 1 22/11/12 3:15 PM
SLUSH SNOW This is snow that has absorbed water from below. It can be spotted where the snow surface has a slight depression with areas dark blue in colour. Avoid such areas when crossing lakes and especially rivers — it’s a good indicator there’s a hole in the ice below.
DID YOU KNOW?
Greenbelt goes white The National Capital Greenbelt has more than 150 kilometres of crosscountry ski trails through green space, farms, forests and wetlands. Begun in the 1950s, its purpose was to protect the rural land bordering the Capital from haphazard urban sprawl. Today it’s the largest publicly owned greenbelt in the world. Most of it (14,950 hectares) is owned and managed by the National Capital Commission.
Let it snow! Over 250 km of the best cross-country ski trails are just minutes away! And there’s a discount on season ski passes until December 15. I’ve got my pass. Have you got yours? reservations.gatineaupark.ca 819-827-2020 | 613-239-5090 (TTY)
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