Snow Ratings

Understanding Snow Quality Ratings

This guide explains what each snow quality rating means, how conditions create them, and what to expect when skiing. Ratings are updated hourly based on real-time weather data.

How It Works

Powdrly analyzes weather conditions (temperature, humidity, wind, snowfall) to classify snow quality every hour. Each rating includes:

  • Snow Type: The classification (e.g., Powder, Wet, Wind Slab Risk)
  • Confidence Score: How reliable the prediction is (0-100)
  • Reasons: What conditions led to this classification

Higher confidence scores mean more reliable predictions. Lower scores indicate uncertain or changing conditions.

🎿 Powder Family (Best Conditions)

These are the conditions every skier dreams of—light, dry, fluffy snow that's easy to ski and forgiving.

Blower Pow

What it means: The lightest, driest powder possible—often called "blower" because it blows away easily Conditions: Very cold (≤14°F / -10°C) with very low density (<6% water content) Skiing experience: Extremely light, effortless turns, minimal resistance, feels like floating Visual: Ultra-fluffy, low water content, snow that doesn't stick together

Powder

What it means: Classic powder snow—the gold standard for skiing Conditions: Cold (≤28°F / -2°C) with low density (6-8% water content) Skiing experience: Smooth, forgiving, easy to turn, minimal effort required Visual: Light, dry snow that's soft and fluffy

Creamy

What it means: Slightly denser than powder but still excellent skiing Conditions: Moderate temperatures with moderate density (8-10% water content) Skiing experience: Smooth and soft, slightly heavier than powder but still very enjoyable Visual: Soft snow with slightly more moisture than powder

⚠️ Packed/Heavy Conditions

Denser snow that requires more effort but can still be enjoyable, especially on groomed runs.

Packed Powder

What it means: Denser, more compacted snow—common on groomed runs Conditions: Near freezing (28-32°F) with moderate-high density (10-12% water content) Skiing experience: More resistance, requires more effort, good for carving on groomers Visual: Compacted, less fluffy, more solid surface

Heavy

What it means: Very dense, wet snow that's hard work to ski Conditions: High density (≥13% water content) or warm temperatures Skiing experience: Slow, tiring, harder to turn, requires significant effort Visual: Dense, high water content, heavy and wet

💧 Wet Conditions

Snow that's melting or near melting point—can be fun in spring conditions but watch for refreezing.

Wet

What it means: Snow is melting or very close to melting point Conditions: At or above freezing (≥32°F / 0°C) or wet-bulb temperature near 0°C Skiing experience: Slow, sticky, can refreeze into ice, spring skiing conditions Visual: Wet, slushy, snow that's actively melting

🌬️ Wind Effects

Wind can dramatically change snow conditions, creating smooth surfaces or dangerous avalanche conditions.

Wind Buff

What it means: Wind has compacted and smoothed the snow surface Conditions: High wind (wind effect ≥0.6) with cold temperatures Skiing experience: Smooth but firm surface, can be fast, good for carving Visual: Smooth, wind-sculpted surface, often with wind patterns

Wind Slab Risk ⚠️ DANGER

⚠️ High Avalanche Risk

This is a serious hazard warning. Wind-loaded snow creates unstable layers that can trigger avalanches. Avoid steep terrain and check avalanche conditions before skiing.

What it means: Dangerous wind-loaded snow with high avalanche risk Conditions: High wind (≥0.6 wind effect) with significant snowfall (≥0.5 inches) Skiing experience: AVOID—high avalanche risk, stay off steep terrain Visual: Wind-deposited snow, often in drifts, unstable layers Safety: Check avalanche forecasts, avoid steep slopes, travel with proper safety equipment

🚫 Hazards & No Snow

Conditions that indicate poor skiing, variable surfaces, or safety concerns.

No New Snow

What it means: Less than 0.2 inches of new snowfall—relying on old snow Conditions: Minimal snowfall, existing snowpack conditions Skiing experience: Old snow conditions, variable surface, depends on grooming Visual: Little to no fresh snow visible

Chalk

What it means: Cold, firm, wind-affected old snow Conditions: No meaningful snowfall, cold temperatures with moderate wind Skiing experience: Firm, fast surface, can be icy in spots, good for carving Visual: Hard, chalky surface, often wind-affected

Ice Risk

What it means: Icy conditions are likely or present Conditions: Extreme melt conditions or melt-freeze cycle with little/no new snow Skiing experience: Hard, slippery surface, dangerous, requires caution Visual: Icy patches, refrozen snow, shiny hard surface Safety: Use caution, sharp edges recommended, slower speeds

Crust Risk

What it means: Melt-freeze cycle creating a hard crust under soft snow Conditions: Melt-freeze cycle detected with new snow on top Skiing experience: Hard crust under soft snow, unpredictable, can break through Visual: Crusty layer visible under fresh snow Safety: Variable conditions, test before committing, can be dangerous

Confidence Scores

The confidence score (0-100) tells you how reliable the prediction is. Higher scores mean more reliable conditions.

90-100: Very High

Conditions are clear and reliable. Strong signals from weather data make this a confident prediction.

70-89: High

Good prediction with minor uncertainty. Conditions should match the rating, but small variations possible.

40-69: Medium

Some uncertainty present. Conditions may vary from the rating. Use as a general guide.

0-39: Low

High uncertainty. Conditions are unpredictable or changing rapidly. Rating may not be accurate.

What Affects Confidence?

Increases Confidence: Strong snowfall, dry air, calm conditions, optimal temperatures Decreases Confidence: Near-freezing temps, high wind, classification conflicts, minimal snowfall

Quick Reference Table

Snow Type Conditions Skiing Quality Safety Level
Blower Pow Very cold, very low density ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent ✅ Safe
Powder Cold, low density ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent ✅ Safe
Creamy Moderate density ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good ✅ Safe
Packed Powder Near freezing, moderate-high density ⭐⭐⭐ Good ✅ Safe
Heavy High density or warm ⭐⭐ Fair ✅ Safe
Wet At/above freezing ⭐⭐ Fair ⚠️ Caution
Wind Buff High wind, cold ⭐⭐⭐ Good ✅ Safe
Wind Slab Risk High wind + snowfall N/A 🚨 DANGER
No New Snow Minimal snowfall ⭐⭐ Variable ✅ Safe
Chalk Cold, wind-affected ⭐⭐⭐ Good ✅ Safe
Ice Risk Melt conditions ⭐ Poor ⚠️ Caution
Crust Risk Melt-freeze cycle ⭐⭐ Variable ⚠️ Caution

Safety Warnings

⚠️ When to Avoid Skiing

  • Wind Slab Risk: High avalanche danger. Avoid steep terrain and check avalanche forecasts.
  • Extreme Ice Risk: Very slippery conditions. Only ski if you're experienced and have proper equipment.

⚠️ Use Caution

  • Crust Risk: Variable conditions. Test the snow before committing to steep terrain.
  • Wet Conditions: Can refreeze into ice. Be aware of changing conditions throughout the day.
  • Low Confidence Scores: Conditions are uncertain. Be prepared for variable snow.

Always Check

  • Avalanche forecasts from your local avalanche center
  • Current weather conditions before heading out
  • Mountain conditions reports from the resort
  • Your equipment is appropriate for conditions

How to Use This Guide

  1. Check ratings before heading out: Look at current conditions and the forecast to plan your day.
  2. Combine with avalanche forecasts: Always check official avalanche forecasts, especially for backcountry skiing.
  3. Use confidence scores: Higher scores mean more reliable predictions. Lower scores indicate uncertainty.
  4. Plan around conditions: Powder days are for fresh tracks. Packed powder days are great for groomers. Avoid dangerous conditions entirely.
  5. Stay safe: No rating system can replace local knowledge and proper safety equipment. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.