Snow-covered mountains in Utah. [Courtesy: Scott Dennstaedt]
Key Takeaways:
Flying through snow alone (not mixed with other liquid precipitation) is generally not considered a significant airframe icing hazard in flight.
This is because dry snow does not adhere, and wet snow (occurring near or above 0°C) is unlikely to accrete on leading edges due to kinetic heating from airspeed.
While not necessarily classified as "known icing conditions" by the FAA, snow can still cause induction icing, reduce visibility, lead to disorientation, and create hazardous ground contamination for takeoff.
Answer: There is an opinion in the aviation community that flying through snow is not only an icing hazard but also against FAA regulations for pilots in aircraft without a certified ice protection system. Keep in mind that each weather system is unique, and there are many exceptions to the general view presented here.
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Scott resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, and flies regularly throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast U.S. He is a CFI and former NWS meteorologist. Scott is the author of "The Skew-T log (p) and Me: A Primer for Pilots" and the founder of EZWxBrief.
