The person is then found by probing and shoveling. The surface on which an avalanche runs. Not to be confused with failure plane . Cornice - An overhanging buildup of snow, usually on the lee side of ridges. Moderate or strong winds often create a vortex on the lee side and deposit wind - blown snow at the very top of the lee slope.
Cornices generally form faster during periods of high humidity.
Depth Hoar - An advanced, generally larger, form of faceted crystal . Depth hoar crystals are striated and, in later stages, often form hollow shapes. Cup - shaped crystals are a common form of depth hoar. This type of crystal can form at any level in the snowpack but is most commonly found at the base of shallow snowpacks following periods of cold weather. The fracture that releases a slab avalanche spreads along a weak snowpack layer called the failure plane.