Snow Crystals observed at Lhajung Station in Khumbu Region

Abstract

The shape and size of snow crystals were recorded by making plastic replicas of them during the snowfall on 1 and 2 January, 1975, at Lhajung (4420 m) in Khumbu region. It was found by observation of the photomicrographs of the replicas that the shapes of snow crystals during the period from 1900 to 2100 NST (Nepal Standard Time), 1 January were hexagonal plates, thick plates of skelton form, plates with simple extension, plates with dendritic entension, crystals with sector like branches, crystals with broad branches, dendritic crystals with plates at ends, hollow columns, columns with plates, side planes and graupel. The meteorological conditions in the precipitating clouds were estimated on the basis of the observations of snow crystals. During the period form 0750 to 0935 NST, 2 January, graupel, graupel-like snow of hexagonal type and rimed crystals were observed.