Whisper's Icy Avalanche
(Evocation)

Range:  10 yards per level
Components:  V
Duration:  1 round per level
Casting Time:  1
Area of Effect:  15-yard radius area
Saving Throw:  None

The casting of this spell brings five feet of ice and snow to come crashing down in the area of effect. All those caught under the ice and snow will be hurt for 5d8 HP. After the first round, all those not protected against cold will receive an additional 1d4 points of damage per round. Crawling movement out of the snow (the only method save flying or dimension door or other such magical methods) is only 5 yards per round, and extremely strenuous. After exiting the snow and ice by crawling, the target(s) must regain their breath for 6 seconds per yard traversed. Fireballs, walls of fire and similar magics will melt the ice and snow in a single round, though those trapped will then suffer those effects. Note that one's protection from cold needs not necessarily be a magical spell or such. Warm clothing and the like (see the Wilderness Survival Guide) will also protect against the cold, though there is no protection against the first 5d8 HP, since that is mostly impact damage.

