Clear ice refers to a solid precipitation which forms when air temperature is between 0 °C (32 °F) and −3 °C (27 °F) and there are supercooled, relatively large drops of water (from freezing fog). A rapid accretion and a slow dissipation of latent heat of fusion favor the formation of a transparent ice coating, without air or other impurities. A similar phenomenon occurs when freezing rain or drizzle hits a surface and is called glaze. Clear ice, when formed on the ground, is often called black ice, and can be extremely hazardous.

Clear ice is denser and more homogeneous than hard rime; like rime, however, clear ice accumulates on branches and overhead lines, where it is particularly dangerous due to its relatively high density.