The formation of faceted layers above crusts

Faceted crystals are observed to grow above crusts. These crusts can result from the release of latent heat from a freezing-layer of wet snow. Thus, the formation of an icy layer could trigger the onset of the growth of a layer of faceted crystals above the icy layer. Once started, the growth of faceted crystals might then be enhanced due to the low thermal conductivity of the faceted layer in relation to the icy layer. The presence of a faceted layer can lead to the release of an avalanche through either failure within the faceted layer or between the faceted layer and the crust.