What can be expected if a pilot notes an increasing number of ice crystals during a flight in a mixed icing environment?

When a pilot observes an increasing number of ice crystals in a mixed icing environment, it typically indicates a transition from clear icing conditions to rime icing. Rime icing occurs when supercooled water droplets freeze upon contact with a surface, forming a rough, opaque layer of ice. The presence of ice crystals suggests that the atmosphere is colder and may lead to the formation of these smaller, less intense ice particles as compared to larger supercooled droplets that contribute to clear icing.

In this scenario, the increasing number of ice crystals is seen as a sign that the icing conditions are changing in a way that makes rime icing more predominant. This shift usually leads to less overall intensity of icing since rime icing, in general, tends to accumulate more slowly and be less structured than clear ice. Understanding this relationship is crucial for pilots, as it helps them anticipate how to manage flight safety while operating in environments conducive to icing.