 &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/avalanche-terms/cornice&quot; title=&quot;A mass of snow deposited by the wind, often overhanging, and usually near a sharp terrain break such as a ridge. Cornices can break off unexpectedly and should be approached with caution.&quot; class=&quot;lexicon-term&quot;&gt;Cornice&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/avalanche-terms/collapse&quot; title=&quot;When the fracture of a lower snow layer causes an upper layer to fall. Also called a whumpf, this is an obvious sign of instability.&quot; class=&quot;lexicon-term&quot;&gt;collapses&lt;/a&gt; partially covered by additional new snow. 