Rime (frost)

Rime ice is a white ice that forms when the water droplets in fog freeze to the outer surfaces of objects. It is often seen on trees atop mountains and ridges in winter, when low-hanging clouds cause freezing fog. This fog freezes to the windward (wind-facing) side of tree branches, buildings, and any other solid objects.

Scientists at places like Mount Washington in New Hampshire often have to break huge chunks of rime ice off weather equipment, in order to keep anemometers and other measuring instruments operating.

Sometimes the rime ice takes on a feathery look, and looks very much like "snow feathers".

Ice storms may be comprised of either glaze ice or rime ice. Meteorologists classify transparent and homogeneous ice forming on vertical and horizontal surfaces as glaze. Glaze ice resembles ice-cube ice in appearance. Its amorphous, dense structure helps it cling tenaciously to any surface on which it forms. In contrast, if the ice is milky and crystalline, like sugar, it is termed rime. Rime ice is less dense than glaze ice and clings less tenaciously, therefore damage due to rime is generally minor compared to glaze ice.