Crossword Genius

A lot of snow, so unable to steer (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

adrift

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'unable to steer' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'a lot of snow' is the wordplay.
'lot' becomes 'd'.
'of snow' becomes 'rift' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'a'+'d'+'rift'='ADRIFT'

'so' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for adrift that I've seen before include "cut loose" , "Rudderless, astray" , "Floating freely, not moored" , "Wandering aimlessly" , "like Mary Celeste?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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