Snow cornice Snow cornice A snow cornice or simply cornice (from the Italian cornice meaning "ledge") is an overhanging edge of snow on a ridge or the crest of a mountain and along the sides of gullies. They form by wind blowing snow over sharp terrain breaks (e.g. the crest of the mountain) where it attaches and builds out horizontally. This build-up is most common on the steeper and leeward sides of mountains. Cornices are extremely dangerous and travelling above or below them should be avoided. When a cornice "collapses", it breaks in from the cornice to the top of the peak;
Snow Mountain Wilderness law (Public Law No: 109-362) which added to the Snow Mountain Wilderness. In July 2015, the area became part of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. The Trough Fire burned of Snow Mountain Wilderness and national forest land in August 2001. More than 12 million dollars was spent to contain the wildfire even though most of the area was within the wilderness boundary. This human-caused wildfire started near Fouts Springs, an off-road vehicle recreational area in Mendocino National Forest. The Middle and South Forks of Stony Creek flow down the east side of the divide. The west slopes are drained by