Abstract: An icing hazard avoidance system and method utilizes a forward-looking, single frequency, dual-polarization pulse radar system as well as temperature sensing means to determine if supercooled liquid water (SLW) drops are present in an aircraft's flight path. A processor determines the ratio of co-polarized and cross-polarized returns. This ratio and the temperature of the atmosphere indicate if SLW drops exists. If an icing hazard is determined, an indicator in the cockpit of the aircraft alerts pilots so that avoidance measures may be taken.