snow line

American  

noun

1. the line, as on mountains, above which there is perpetual snow.

2. the latitudinal line marking the limit of the fall of snow at sea level.

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snow line British  

noun

1. the altitudinal or latitudinal limit of permanent snow

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snow line Scientific  

1. The boundary marking the lowest altitude at which a given area, such as the top of a mountain, is always covered with snow.

2. The boundary marking the furthest extent around the polar regions at which there is snow cover. The polar snow lines vary with the seasons.

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Etymology

Origin of snow line

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

His adventure bogged down as soon as he reached the snow line and realized the trail was completely buried.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

Saturn lies beyond the solar system's "snow line," along with other giant planets that host icy moons, including Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune.

From Science Daily • Nov. 10, 2025

Photos distributed by the office showed rescue workers trying to recover the bodies down from a loose, rocky apron below an even steeper slope above the snow line.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 20, 2023

A snow line hung like a bowl cut around the upper cliffs of the Grand Mesa, while in the valley some farmers were taking their last deliveries of water, sowing winter wheat and onions.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2022

After three or four miles I came to the snow line and there ex-changed crampons for skis.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer