Snow bridge

A snow bridge is an arc formed by snow across a crevasse, a crack in rock, a creek, or some other opening in terrain.[1] It is typically formed by snow drift, which first creates a cornice, which may then grow to reach the other side of the opening.

For various man-made structures to protect from avalanches, see Snow barrier (disambiguation).

Dangers

A snow bridge may completely cover the opening and thus present a danger by creating an illusion of unbroken surface under which the opening is concealed by an unknown thickness of snow, possibly only a few centimetres.

Snow bridges may also form inside a crevasse, making it appear shallow.[2]

A snow bridge is thicker and stronger at the edge of a crevasse; therefore, a fall through a bridge usually happens at some distance from the edge.[3]

See also

References
  1. Elaine Freedgood (2000) Victorian Writing about Risk: Imagining a Safe England in a Dangerous World, ISBN 0-521-78108-6 p. 193.
  2. Tony Holt (Spring 2002) "Berner Oberland Haute Route Journal", Chauvin Guides International, archived 2007-08-13.
  3. Mountain Operations (September 1947) United States War Department Field Manual FM-10, OCLC 11663687 p. 204



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