iN PHOTOS: Hoarfrost crystals create magical winter photography in Kamloops, Okanagan

The right combination of temperature and moisture in the air can produce hoarfrost, and photographers in Kamloops and the Okanagan snapped some artistic photos of the feathery formations this month.

While there are several types of frost formations, hoarfrost is arguably the most pretty kind to see as the crystal structures collect on grass blades, tree branches and leaves, transforming winter landscapes into magical wonderlands.

Hoarfrost is formed by direct condensation of water vapour into ice when temperatures are below freezing, according to Britannica, but can only happen when there is enough moisture in the air. The tiny crystals form the same way dew drops do, but in colder temperatures.

These photos show closeups of the formations on bright red winter berries, coating the Kamloops grasslands and frosting up conifers at higher elevations.

If you get interesting photos on your outdoor explorations, send them to news@infonews.ca.

Hoarfrost in the Kamloops grasslands lends a magical winter wonderland touch. | Credit: SUBMITTED/ Bobbie-Jo Stephenson

These frost covered berries were photographed in the Kamloops area. | Credit: SUBMITTED/ Loekie Vanderwall

Hoarfrost and winter berries make an artistic photograph in the Osoyoos area. | Credit: SUBMITTED/ Karen Goodfellow

This stem in the Kamloops grasslands is covered with hoarfrost. | Credit: SUBMITTED/ Bobbie-Jo Stephenson

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