Frost line

For other uses, see Frost line (disambiguation).

Not to be confused with the geographical feature Snow line.

The frost line—also known as frost depth or freezing depth—is most commonly the depth to which the groundwater in soil is expected to freeze. The frost depth depends on the climatic conditions of an area, the heat transfer properties of the soil and adjacent materials, and on nearby heat sources. For example, snow cover and asphalt insulate the ground and homes can heat the ground (see also heat island). The line varies by latitude, it is deeper closer to the poles. It ranges in the United States from about zero to six feet. Below that depth, the temperature varies, but is always above 0 °C (32 °F).

Alternatively, in Arctic and Antarctic locations the freezing depth is so deep that it becomes year-round permafrost, and the term "thaw depth" is used instead. Finally, in tropical regions, frost line may refer to the vertical geographic elevation below which frost does not occur.

Frost front refers to the varying position of the frost line during seasonal periods of freezing and thawing.

Building codes

Building codes sometimes take frost depth into account because of frost heaving which can damage buildings by moving their foundations. Foundations are normally built below the frost depth for this reason. Water pipes are normally buried below the frost line, or insulated to prevent them from freezing.

There are many ways to predict frost depth including factors which relate air temperature to soil temperature.

Sample frost lines for various locations

• USA
  • Minnesota (2007):
    • Northern counties: 5 feet (1.5 m)
    • Southern counties: 3.5 feet (1.1 m)

• Canada: Can use table of estimates based on freezing index degree days.
  • Ontario: Map of frost penetration depths for Southern Ontario.
    • Ottawa: 1.8 metres (5.9 ft)
    • Windsor: 1.0 metre (3.3 ft)