hardpacks

/ˈhɑrdˌpæks/
noun
  1. Compacted, firm surfaces of soil or snow that are difficult to dig or break.
    • The trail was easy to walk on because of the hardpacks left by previous hikers.
    • After the thaw, the hardpacks of snow turned into slippery ice patches.
    • Farmers avoid planting in hardpacks because the roots cannot spread easily.
Synonyms
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