---
title: "Runway surface condition descriptors — EASA Definition · Avioverse"
description: "Definitions for terms used in Annexes II to IV, Regulation (EU) No 139/2014: ‘runway surface condition descriptors’ means one of the following substances…"
url: "https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/runway-surface-condition-descriptors"
---

# runway surface condition descriptors

EASA defines “runway surface condition descriptors” in one regulation. The wording below is reproduced verbatim from the EASA Easy Access Rules, with a link to the paragraph it comes from.

> ‘runway surface condition descriptors’ means one of the following substances on the surface of the runway:
>
> (a) compacted snow: snow that has been compacted into a solid mass such that aeroplane tyres, at operating pressures and loadings, will run on the surface without significant further compaction or rutting of the surface;
>
> (b) dry snow: snow from which a snowball cannot readily be made;
>
> (c) frost: ice crystals formed from airborne moisture on a surface whose temperature is at or below freezing; frost differs from ice in that frost crystals grow independently and therefore, have a more granular texture;
>
> (d) ice: water that has frozen or compacted snow that has transitioned into ice in cold and dry conditions;
>
> (e) slush: snow that is so water-saturated that water will drain from it when a handful is picked up or will splatter if stepped on forcefully;
>
> (f) standing water: water of depth greater than 3 mm;
>
> (g) wet ice: ice with water on top of it or ice that is melting;
>
> (h) wet snow: snow that contains enough water to be able to make a well compacted, solid snowball, but water will not squeeze out;

Definitions for terms used in Annexes II to IV · Aerodromes · Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 · Easy Access Rules, 13 Mar 2026 revision · [Read the article](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/aerodromes/definitions/powers-and-recitals#definitions-for-terms-used-in-annexes-ii-to-iv)

## Defined in the same article

- [\[aerodrome\] traffic density](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aerodrome-traffic-density)
- [accelerate-stop distance available (ASDA)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/accelerate-stop-distance-available)
- [acceptable means of compliance (AMC)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/acceptable-means-of-compliance)
- [aerodrome control service](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aerodrome-control-service)
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- [aeronautical data](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aeronautical-data)
- [Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aeronautical-information-circular)
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