Casual relief: ice and snow

Question Does the term "body of water" in the casual relief rule extend to bodies of ice and snow? I say the intent of the casual relief rule is limited to water as a liquid since the rule doesn't say "any form of water".

But, it's apparent that others argue a broader interpretation of the word water is intended to include all forms. However, if you feel all forms of water are covered, it makes the rule a nightmare. Snow or ice covered fields would allow casual relief by default unless the TD specifies otherwise.

It seems to make more sense to have fields of snow or ice NOT casual by default. The only exception I can see would be a situation where there are a few small patches of ice (under 1 square meter) where casual relief might make sense for safety reasons. But even this exception may not be necessary because the assumption is that if you're playing in those weather conditions, you should be prepared for less than ideal scenarios on the course.

Response: Summary: Does the rule granting relief from casual water apply to ice and snow?
Applicable Rules: 803.04 (Obstacles and Relief)

Discussion: No. The "casual water" listed in the rule is water as it's commonly understood, i.e. in a liquid form. The rules do not grant relief from snow, ice, or even steam should you encounter it. However, the TD may grant relief from "any item or area" before the round. If, for example, there is a patch of ice on the course known to be dangerous, the TD could declare it a casual obstacle and grant the players relief from it.