Wrapped diffuse + cheap SSS

Lambert dies at the terminator. Snow and skin need light that wraps and scatters through the edge.

SNOWFLOW snow SSS shading model

How it works

// wrap: softens N·L terminator
float wrap = (dot(N,L) + w) / (1.0 + w);
wrap = max(wrap, 0.0);

// back-scatter: light from behind bleeds through
float back = pow(saturate(dot(V, -L)), k) * scatter;
col += albedo * wrap * lightColor;
col += sssColor * back * thicknessApprox;

Production snow also tints the scatter blue-white and deepens it with path thickness / compression state. Dynamic spell lights should share the same include.

Prompt match

“This single term does more for ‘reads as snow’ than almost anything else.”

Controls

Shading modewrap+SSS

Wrap amount0.45

Scatter strength0.7

Light angle40°

Modes: 0 Lambert · 1 wrap only · 2 wrap + back-scatter. Low sun makes the difference obvious.

Source prompts

SNOWFLOW waterbending

Technique notes · All techniques

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