Settlement cones like this are common in the Ogden Mountains right now.

Strong surface temperature gradients have started to facet the top few inches of the most recent snow. This snowflake began the faceting process around Dec. 27th and is likely now a full-fledged near-surface facet.

Surface hoar has also formed in many wind-protected areas at all elevations. Some of the largest feathers are more than an inch long. Here are a few close up photos taken Dec. 27th.