Wind tunnel measurements of snowdrift in a turbulent, logarithmic velocity boundary layer have been made in Davos, Switzerland, using natural snow. Regression analysis gives the drift threshold friction velocity (u_*t), assuming an exponential drift profile and a simple drift to friction velocity relationship. Measurements over 15 snow covers show that u_*t is influenced more by snow density and particle size than by ambient temperature and humidity, and varies from 0.27 to 0.69 m s^-1. Schmidt's threshold algorithm and a modified version used in SNOWPACK (a snow-cover model) agree well with observations if small bond sizes are assumed. Using particle hydraulic diameters, obtained from image processing, Bagnold's threshold parameter is 0.18. Roughness lengths (z_O) vary between snow covers but u²_*t. The influence of are constant until the start of drift. Threshold roughness lengths are proportional to u²_*t macroscopic objects on the roughness length is shown by the lower values measured over the smooth and flat snow surface of the wind tunnel (0.04 ≤ z_O ≤ 0.13 mm), compared to field measurements. Mean drifting-snow grain sizes for mainly new and partly decomposed snow are 100-175 µm, and independent of surface particle size.