What is a Mound of Snow Called?

A mound of snow can be referred to by several terms, depending on its size, formation, and context. The most common and general term is a snow mound. However, more specific names apply in different situations, such as moguls in winter sports or snowdrifts when formed by wind.

Common Terms for Snow Accumulations

Understanding the various names helps to accurately describe these snowy formations:

• Snow Mound: This is a general term for any pile or heap of snow. It can be naturally occurring or man-made.
• Snowdrift: Formed by wind, a snowdrift is an accumulation of snow shaped by airflow around obstacles like fences, buildings, or natural terrain. They often have a characteristic streamlined shape. For more information, you can refer to resources on atmospheric phenomena.
• Snowbank: Typically, a snowbank refers to a ridge or pile of snow accumulated along the side of a road, driveway, or path, often resulting from snow plowing or shoveling.
• Snowpile: A straightforward term for a heap of snow, often implying a collection of snow gathered from shoveling or clearing.

Specialized Terms and Contexts

Beyond the general terms, specific situations lend themselves to more precise vocabulary for snow mounds:

• Mogul (or Bump): In the context of skiing and snowboarding, a mogul is a mound of snow that forms on a ski slope due to the repetitive turning of skiers and snowboarders. These "bumps" create a challenging and dynamic terrain feature. They are essentially snow mounds shaped by human activity. Skiers navigate these by absorbing the impact or turning around them. Discover more about mogul skiing techniques.
• Snow Berm: A berm is a raised bank or ridge. A snow berm specifically refers to a ridge of snow, which can be formed intentionally (e.g., for defense or redirection) or unintentionally, such as along the edge of a road after plowing, similar to a snowbank but often implying a more distinct ridge.

Formation and Characteristics of Snow Mounds

Snow mounds can originate from various processes, each influencing their shape, size, and location.

Natural Formations

• Wind Action: Wind is a primary sculptor of natural snow mounds, creating snowdrifts as it deposits snow in sheltered areas or against obstacles. The shape of a drift is dictated by wind speed, direction, and the obstacle's form.
• Avalanche Debris: After an avalanche, the deposited snow can form large, chaotic mounds at the bottom of a slope.
• Melt and Freeze Cycles: Differential melting and refreezing can sometimes lead to uneven snow surfaces, creating small mounds.

Man-Made Accumulations

• Plowing and Shoveling: The most common way man-made snow mounds are created is through the clearing of roads, driveways, and walkways, which pushes snow into piles or banks.
• Snowmaking: Ski resorts use snowmaking machines to create large piles of snow that are then spread over slopes.
• Construction and Landscaping: Snow might be intentionally piled for winter activities, artistic displays, or as temporary barriers.

Practical Applications and Considerations

Snow mounds, depending on their type, can have various practical implications:

• Recreation: Many natural and artificial snow mounds provide opportunities for winter sports like sledding, tubing, or building snow forts. Moguls specifically add an element of challenge to downhill skiing.
• Obstacles and Hazards: Large snowbanks and snowdrifts can obscure visibility for drivers, block entrances, or impede pedestrian movement.
• Environmental Impact: Snowdrifts can provide insulation for vegetation and small animals underneath, protecting them from extreme cold. They also act as temporary reservoirs, releasing water gradually as they melt.

Overview of Snow Mound Types