International Commission on Snow and Ice (ICSI) Classification System for the Water Content of Snow

The International Commission on Snow and Ice (ICSI) developed a classification system for the water content of snow.

Parameters:

(1) temperature in °C

(2) percent free water content by volume

(3) gross appearance

(4) appearance under magnification (with 10x lens)

°C	Percent Free Water	Gross Appearance When Pressed	Magnified Appearance	Term
< 0°C	0%	grains do not stick together	no free water	dry
0°C	0.1 - 2.9%	grains stick together	no free water	moist
0°C	3 - 8%	grains stick together; water cannot be produced with moderate pressure	water present	wet
0°C	8 - 15%	water cam be produced on moderate pressure	water present; air seen in pores	very wet
0°C	> 15%	watery	water abundant, little air in pores	slush

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