drifting snow

drifting snow

[′drif·tiŋ ′snō]
(meteorology)
Wind-driven snow raised from the surface of the earth to a height of less than 6 feet (1.8 meters).
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Drifting Snow

 

(in Russian, pozemok), wind-driven movement of snow immediately above the surface of a snow cover when no snow is falling. Drifting snow usually occurs in freezing weather, when dry snow crystals slide easily over the surface of frozen soil or a snow cover; wind velocities are usually more than 5 m/sec.

The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979). © 2010 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

drifting snow

An ensemble of snow particles raised by the wind to a low height—normally less than approximately 7 ft above ground. The visibility is not diminished at eye level.
An Illustrated Dictionary of Aviation Copyright © 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
References in classic literature ?
Our gloves are glued with the frozen blood, Our eyes with the drifting snow; But we come back to our wives again, Back from the edge of the floe!
Authorities warn travel could be difficult because strong winds will result in blowing and drifting snow. Visibility will be severely reduced, officials said.
"At the moment, the heaviest snow is expected over higher ground in Scotland with the chance of drifting snow due to strong winds.
"The heaviest snow is expected over higher ground, with the chance of drifting snow due to strong winds.
Winter A HARSH, raw, bone-chilling wind And unrelenting bitter cold Hard frosts whitening the frozen ground In a cruel winter tale told Ice glinting silver on streams and ponds Drifting snow carpeting the ground Hibernating wildlife seeking sanctuary as best it can But for some there is no escape to be found Early darkness reducing the daylight hours Leaving grey days as short and bleak Uncaring nature showing yet again Her evolutionary mean streak But on a far-distant day yet to come One that will make all wilting spirits sing She will herald the long-awaited arrival Of the golden glory that is life-affirming spring!
He added: "The weather system included blizzards, strong winds, drifting snow, bitter cold and the threat of freezing rain.
FLAKES AR VIDEO EFFECTS (iOS, free with in-app purchases) THERE are, it has to be conceded, more than a couple of apps on the App Store that will superimpose falling rain or drifting snow onto your videos.
Winds of up to 55 mph (88.5 kph) caused blowing and drifting snow, along with ice shoves in Green Bay.
The icy blast is also expected to spread into Co Down and Armagh by tomorrow and the Met Office is warning of blizzards, drifting snow, power cuts and rural communities being cut off.
Lots of people braved the elements to get that perfect shot of drifting snow in Scapegoat Hill, Outlane, Golcar, Emley Moor, Meltham, Netherthong, Pole Moor, Slaithwaite, Stainland, Holme and many other villages.