sneeuwgraven

Sneeuwgraven is a Dutch term that literally means snow graves. It is not a standardized technical term in meteorology, geomorphology, or archaeology, and its meaning varies by region and context. In some dialects, sneuwgraven refers to hollows or depressions in a snow cover created by wind redistribution, slope effects, and temperature gradients. These snow features are typically described as wind-sculpted snow hollows rather than as a formal category, but they can affect local snowpack dynamics, melt patterns, and microhabitats for animals or shelter for hikers.

In historical or folkloric contexts, sneewgraven has occasionally appeared to denote places associated with winter storage or concealment in snow, or, in certain narratives, burials performed in winter snow. Such uses are rare and localized, and they usually require regional verification to determine whether they reflect a genuine practice or a descriptive expression.

Because the term is not widely standardized, sneewgraven can also occur as a regionally specific phrase or as a literary description rather than as a precise technical term. When encountered in sources, it is best to consult local dictionaries or regional studies to ascertain the intended meaning. See also snow pits, snow caves, avalanche terminology, and winter geomorphology for related concepts.