Graupel is a type of precipitation that is distinct from snow, hail, and sleet. It is also known as "soft hail," "snow pellets," or "hominy snow". Graupel forms when supercooled water droplets freeze onto a snow crystal, typically at a temperature below 32°F. In the colder parts of a cloud where the temperature is in the upper 20s, small snowflakes form. In the portion of the cloud where temperatures are very close to freezing or slightly below freezing, little pieces of ice gather around the snowflake and freeze, forming graupel. Graupel is denser and more granular than ordinary snow due to its rimed exterior. It is usually small, measuring 2-5 mm (0.08-0.20 in) in diameter. Graupel is fragile and generally disintegrates when handled. It is most often mistaken for hail or sleet.