6.1.10 Snow grain and type

Snow grain type and size are important to measure because of their relation to snowpack stability. Hoar and other facetized grains are typically large in size (over ~2mm in diameter) and reduce snowpack stability.

Simple magnifiers are used to assess the type of snow grain within a layer. The graphic shows different grain types.

Plate IX of "Studies among the Snow Crystals ... " by Wilson Bentley knows as the "The Snowflake Man." From the "Annual Summary of the "Monthly Weather Review" for 1902. Bentley's hobby was photographing snow flakes.