Niveo-aeolian deposits can bury dune grasses and other vegetation so that the role of vegetation in capturing wind-blown sand and snow is eliminated at some dune locations. In combination with a smooth deposit surface, the niveo-aeolian deposits can allow subsequent sand transport to move further into the dune system.

Snow and ice can cement a niveo-aeolian deposit together so that the deposit supports much greater slope angles than dry sand. Very steep or vertical slopes and snow cornices common at the tops of active dunes during the winter. The niveo-aeolian deposit may appear to extend the dune crest for a number of meters before a sheer drop on the downwind side.

People should exercise caution on niveo-aeolian deposits. The steep slope angles and internal structure (interspersed layers of materials with different strengths) make the deposits prone to failure especially when weight is placed on them. It is not uncommon for large chunk of the deposit to break away and slide downslope. People should also exercise caution because the steep icy slopes make walking hazardous.

Wind erosion can oversteepen windward slopes of dunes during the winter. Ground-freezing maintains slope angles that could not be supported by loose dry sand.