Extruded snow, forced through the gaps in the drystone walls and caught in the lea of the wall
Fascinating shapes aren’t they?
Of course if you were in anyway scientifically inclined you could go off Googleing around the topic of
Modeling transient snowdrift development around complex three-dimensional structures
I just think they look interesting, sculptural.
It’s only in the last week I’ve given any thought to the fact that this area used have snow fences, to force the drifts to form where you want, usually in the field and not filling the lanes, (beautiful shot of one on this blog) they were situated a few yards back from the carriage- way on exposed roads. There aren’t any these days.
In some parts of the world they ‘force’ snowdrifts with fences so that the snow lies in a basin, to make a reservoir of water for the summer, snow farming, you can drop that little gem into the conversation the next time you are stuck in a snow drift
February 6, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Those are beautiful
February 6, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Oh most excellent, classic UHDD! Lovely photos, useful information, links that begged to be followed (and were – now my whole morning’s shot).
You know where I ended up after all that wandering about the blogosphere? Right back here at your own Off-piste from Jan ’08, where I met you the first time.
There are advantages to memory loss. One can enjoy the same experiences over and over.
February 6, 2009 at 2:42 pm
They are good shapes. Very curvy
February 7, 2009 at 8:34 pm
These shapes are amazing. I have never seen this before, perhaps because we dont have the old stone walls…. I have been enjoying catching up on your posts. As always you have beautiful photographs. And it looks like you (and your cat) have been experiencing some adventures.
February 8, 2009 at 9:58 am
Have a look at what Neepster has found, a snow- roller, beautiful
February 15, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Lovely pictures again! I remember the snow blowing through the dry stone walls and forming those shapes.. I remember repairing such walls, and being puzzled why some of our walls were built hollow low down and filled with small stones and or turf. It was of course, to create shelter for sheep..
February 15, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Tony there are likely to be many more posts about drystone walls, Mr Uhdd has been on a walling course! watch this space
February 16, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Last time I was up at Mum’s I noticed one of my repairs was still up! After 30 odd years!