The primary objective of the study was to gain information on the rate of spread of cetyl alcohol on a melting snow surface. Point applications of radioactive cetyl-1-C14 alcohol were placed on the surface of snow contained in cubical wooden, boxes 25 cm on each side. The boxes with snow were placed in a controlled environment of 2°C and with a relative humidity of 95%. Under the study conditions, cetyl alcohol spread as far as 10 cm within one hour and fifteen minutes. Distribution of the alcohol over the surface was highly variable.