Can black ice exist when there is snow on the ground?

Question

A woman I work with just told someone that black ice does not exist when there is snow on the ground? that doesn't sound right to me. is she correct?

Answer 1

Yes you can have black ice when there is snow on the ground. In fact that is when it happens the most. Snow melts from both the top and the bottom during the day and when night comes the water underneath the snow, or on other surfaces freezes quickly into a translucent layer.

Answer 2

ABSOLUTELY BLACK ICE CAN BE UNDER SNOW.

Let's say that black ice just formed on the highway surface. Twenty minutes later it starts snowing. This snow falls on the hard frozen black ice. If someone then drives across that surface then you will go out of control whether there is snow or not on that slippery black ice.
In fact this condition happens a lot.

Answer 3

She is most definitely incorrect. Black ice is under the snow. It is usually snow or ice that has melted and refrozen, and is muddy therefore the "black". It's also practically invisible which is what makes it so much more dangerous.

Answer 4

Black ice can occur without any snow at all.Mostly on roads that are shaded during the day.Then at night a glaze of ice covers the road.It is hard to see black ice because it is so thin that it is clear.

Answer 5

As you have read-black ice can, and usually is, under snow.
I think you need to show proof to your co-worker, like from a scientist, about black ice, so she doesn't hurt herself this coming winter. Please! Don't rub it in her face though, she is just uninformed.