Hair ice: a PNW phenomenon that forms under specific circumstance [Video]

Multiple criteria need to be present for nature’s icy hair to form.

VASHON ISLAND, Wash. —

January has brought sightings of a unique phenomenon called ‘hair ice’ to parts of Western Washington.

One of those places is Vashon Island. Maria Metler is the co-executive director and education director for Vashon Nature Center. She said hair ice looks exactly like it sounds.

“It’s extremely beautiful,” Metler said. “It looks just like hair.”

Metler explained the very specific circumstances when it forms.

Generally, between 45° and 55° N latitude (from Portland into British Columbia)
There need to be at least 2-3 days of subfreezing temperatures
No snow or precipitation
It will form on a hardwood (for example,, oak, maple, ash, or alder wood)
The inner part of the wood underneath the bark needs to be exposed
Fungus needs to be present

“As that fungus kind of respirates and goes through its life cycle in those subzero temperatures, it will actually push ice out of that hard wood,” Metler said.

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