What is the significance of the layer of hard-packed snow or ice sandwiched in the middle of unstable snowpack? The hard-packed snow or ice can serve as a lubricant, allowing the top layer of snow to break away

It makes it difficult to move the snow with bulldozers

The hard pack is not as enjoyable for skiers on the avalanche

The snow holds all of the snow together, making it more difficult to melt on warm days