| Term: | Snowdrift |
| Definition: |
Accumulation of snow heaped together by the wind in the lee of an obstruction due to the local decrease in wind velocity. WMOHydrology
An accumulation or bank of snow formed when wind blows snow against an obstruction; often considerably thicker than the surrounding snowcover. NSIDCCryosphere A mound or bank of snow deposited as sloping surfaces and peaks, often behind obstacles, irregularities, and on lee slopes. Due to eddies in the wind field. IACSSnow An accumulation of windblown snow deposited in the lee of obstructions or heaped by wind eddies. A crescent-shaped snowdrift, with ends pointing downwind, is known as a snow barchan. WMOSeaIce Sea ice terminology. Describes an accumulation of wind-blown snow that is deposited in the lee of an obstacle. A crescent-shaped snowdrift, with ends pointing down-wind, is called a snow barchan. ECCCanada Mass of snow heaped up by the wind and deposited along an obstruction or an irregularity of the terrain. WMOMeteoterm An accumulation of wind-blown snow, commonly considerably thicker than the surrounding snowcover IPAPermafrost A mound or bank of snow deposited as sloping surfaces and peaks, often behind obstacles and irregularities, due to eddies in the wind field. AMSglossary An accumulation of wind-blown snow deposited in the lee of obstructions or heaped by wind eddies. SPRI GCW |