Sastrugi (wind-sculpted snow)
Overview
Sastrugi are wind-sculpted snow formations that create ridges and grooves on the surface of a snowpack. They can affect footing and travel efficiency on snow-covered routes.
Key points
- Formed by strong, persistent winds acting on snow surfaces.
- Create irregular ridges, troughs, and hard edges.
- Can make walking or skiing more tiring and uneven.
- Orientation often aligns with prevailing wind direction.
- Commonly encountered in open, wind-exposed terrain.
Details
Sastrugi develop when wind transports snow across open surfaces, eroding and redepositing it into elongated ridges and depressions. The resulting shapes can range from small ripples to larger, sharp-edged formations that significantly alter the walking surface. In some cases, sastrugi become hard, making them resistant to footprints and adding impact forces to each step.
For hikers and other backcountry travelers, these features often slow progress and increase energy expenditure, as each stride may land at a slightly different height or angle. On steep slopes, irregular surfaces can also affect traction and balance.
Because sastrugi generally form in wind-exposed areas, they may also signal conditions where snow is redistributed, which can be relevant to route planning and broader snowpack assessment. However, detailed avalanche or snow stability evaluation is a specialized discipline addressed through dedicated training and resources.
In thru-hiking contexts, sastrugi are most likely to appear in high, open sections where snow persists and wind exposure is significant.
Related topics
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Illustrative hiking footage
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