A small dataset showing the typical densities of snow and ice.
| Typical densities of snow and ice (kg/m³) | |
|---|---|
| New snow (immediately after falling in calm) | 50-70 |
| Damp new snow | 100-200 |
| Settled snow | 200-300 |
| Depth hoar | 100-300 |
| Wind packed snow | 350-400 |
| Firn | 400-830 |
| Very wet snow and firn | 700-800 |
| Glacier ice | 830-917 |
Source: Paterson, W.S.B. 1994. The Physics of Glaciers.
Related content
Join this citizen science project, How Deep Is Your Snow? and measure the snow depth at your place.
The animated video, Snow to ice shows how snow is transformed into firn.
