Pohjahankes

Pohjahankes is a term that refers to a specific type of snow formation. It describes a layer of granular snow that can form under certain conditions, often after a period of snowfall followed by thawing and refreezing. This process can create a hard, icy crust on the surface of the snowpack. When new snow falls on top of this hardened layer, the individual snow crystals may not bond well with the pohjahankes. This can lead to unstable snow conditions, particularly in mountainous or backcountry areas where avalanches are a concern.

The formation of pohjahankes is influenced by several factors, including temperature fluctuations, humidity, and the type of snow that initially falls. Rapid temperature changes can accelerate the process of melting and refreezing, leading to a more cohesive and problematic pohjahankes layer. Understanding the presence and characteristics of pohjahankes is crucial for skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers who venture into snowy terrain. It is a key indicator for assessing avalanche risk. Backcountry travelers often use tools like snow probes to detect the presence of such layers and assess the stability of the snowpack before proceeding.