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;
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain his essay collection "What Am I Doing Here?". Chatwin's article inspired many subsequent travellers, including Michael Palin, to visit the region. The view of the massif from the gardens at the Black Dragon Pool (Heilong Tan) in Lijiang is noted as one of China's finest views. The mountain is part of "Yulong Snow Mountain National Scenic Area and National Geological Park", an AAAAA-classified scenic area. The Park operates a tourist cable car that elevates to for close views of the snow peak, which is criticized for accelerating the melting of the snow and reducing the water retention by the mountain.