What Is Black Ice and How Does It Form?
Published: February 20, 2023
Author: Revive Auto Body & Paint
Category Tags: Auto Tips
Traffic accidents have been on the rise in Gallatin County and Bozeman, Montana. Winter driving is more difficult and the ability to understand conditions which increase the risk of driving will aide you as you traverse the roads. Black ice is one of most treacherous conditions and understanding how it forms will help.
What is Black Ice?
Black ice has proven itself over and over again to be treacherous. What is black ice? It is a glaze that forms on surfaces (especially roads, sidewalks, and driveways) because of a light freezing rain or because of melting and re-freezing of snow, water, or ice on surfaces. The reason it’s referred to as black ice vs. plain old ice is because of how thin it is. Black ice is typically so thin that black top or asphalt can be seen through it. The transparency of the ice is what makes it so difficult to see, especially at night. Black ice forms when rain or snow falls and temperatures swing above and below freezing levels. When temperatures warm up then some will melt on the roads. When the temperature freezes again, ice will form.
Where to watch out for Black Ice?
The most dangerous areas where black ice forms is on bridges, overpasses and highway spots in the shade. These areas will freeze over before anything else in your proximity! Black ice forms first on bridges and overpasses because air can circulate both above and below the surface of the elevated roadway when the ambient temperature drops, causing the pavement temperature on the bridge to fall rapidly.
Had an Accident and Need a Repair?
Revive Auto Body & Paint is a top auto body repair shop in Bozeman, Montana. We provide collision repair, dent removal, and auto body painting in the local area to customers from Bozeman, Belgrade, Manhattan, Three Forks, Big Sky, Gallatin Gateway, Livingston, and more. Contact us today for a free estimate to fix your vehicle back to new.
