Articles | Volume 20, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-1257-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-1257-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
18 Feb 2026
Research article |
| 18 Feb 2026
| 18 Feb 2026
Revisiting snow settlement with microstructural knowledge
Météo-France, CNRS, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Toulouse, CNRM, Centre d’Études de la Neige, 38000 Grenoble, France
Pascal Hagenmuller
Météo-France, CNRS, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Toulouse, CNRM, Centre d’Études de la Neige, 38000 Grenoble, France
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Short summary
This study investigates how snow settles under its own weight. Using three-dimensional simulations of real snow microstructures and more than 178 past experiments, we show that settlement follows a power law depending on stress and density. This unifies previously conflicting approaches, reconciles contradictory results, and provides a solid basis for improving the representation of snowpack.
This study investigates how snow settles under its own weight. Using three-dimensional...
