Ah right, thanks.
I'm getting the picture of an arctic ice field with waves of snow
endlessly blowing across, is this right?

Yes.. Thats the stuff.. probably in its more benign form....

Sometimes its big clouds above head height and as said above akin to
being sand blasted.

Dont underestimate its penetrating ability either.. Stuff gets in
everywhere, however well sealed.. Often get a pocket or pack full of
snow.

Richard Webb