These ice spikes are called penitents because of their purported resemblance to rows of white robed monks.

Penitents range in height from centimeters tall to 16 feet high. They are formed by welled, reflecting sunlight melting snow dimples to rivulets than trenches and so on. Pretty fancy.

And while I get the appeal, if I were on a stroll through a slick field of icy spikes, I’d be nervous.

Visit Deputy Dog to see more unnerving sleight of hand from Ole Mother Nature.