5.2.3 Dust

New event: Dust

Let's see what happens if the initial snowfall is followed by a high wind event that deposits dust on top of the snowpack.

If the dust layer is covered by new snowfall, it will become internal to the snowpack. What impact might this layer have on the pack's stability? Select the correct answer, then click Done.

The correct answer is b.

If the dirty layer is close enough to the surface to absorb solar radiation (15 to 30 cm or 6 to 12 in), two things may occur:

  • The dust-laden surface will lower the albedo, creating a local temperature gradient; this will cause edge growth on the snow grains and create a weak layer
  • The submerged layer may melt, possibly leading to an avalanche of wet, slushy snowpack