An efficient method for a delayed and accurate characterization of snow grains from natural snowpacks

Abstract

The authors describe a new method that allows an accurate, cheap and quick characterization of snow grains from natural snowpacks. The method is based on stopping all metamorphism of snow grains by immersing them in cold isooctane. Snow grains are then carried from the field, stored in a cold room and easily observed through a microscope. It then makes possible recording of snow-grain pictures in a state similar to their natural state, even after storage of several months.