Table 19. Classification of liquid water content (from Colbeck et al., [1990]). T is snow temperature.
 

Term	Remarks	Approximate Range of Percent Liquid Water by Volume
Dry	Usually T is below 0EC, but dry snow can occur at any temperature up to 0EC. Disaggregated snow grains have little tendency to adhere to each other when pressed together, as in making a snowball.	0%
Moist	T=0EC. The water is not visible even at 10x magnification. When lightly crushed, the snow has a distinct tendency to stick together.	<3%
Wet	T=0EC. The water can be recognized at 10x magnification by its meniscus between adjacent snow grains, but water cannot be pressed out by moderately squeezing the snow in the hands (Pendular regime).	3-8%
Very Wet	T=0EC. The water can be pressed out by moderately squeezing the snow in the hands, but there is an appreciable amount of air confined within the pores (Funicular regime).	8-15%
Slush	T=0EC. The snow is flooded with water and contains a relatively small amount of air.	>15%