Windshield Snow Blanket

Provided by: Kym Du Pont
Summary author: Kym Du Pont 

The photo above showing a layer of "folded" snow on an automobile windshield was taken in Nevada City, California on January 20, 2008. Following several days of off-and-on snowfall, the Sun reappeared and melting quickly ensued. The snow on the windshield slipped onto the hood due to a combination of gravity and lubrication. Melt water created a nearly frictionless surface, which permitted the layer of snow to slide away. The moist snow layer was still cohesive enough to remain intact after it lost its grip.