Ask Dr. Universe: Freeze-thaw cycle changes the consistency of snow - Mon, 06 Apr 2026 PST

AI Briefing

• – Snowflakes form through a process called nucleation, where water vapor freezes onto tiny particles in the air, creating a crystal lattice structure that gives snow its fluffiness. When snow is exposed to warmer temperatures, the crystal lattice structure melts, causing the snow to become more granular and crunchy. As the snow is repeatedly frozen and thawed, the crystal structure is constantly being disrupted, making the snow increasingly slippery and icy.