The microwave backscatter statistics of the sea ice cover in the winter Beaufort Sea are characterized using C band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data collected by the European Earth Resources Satellite 1. Sea ice backscatter signatures were sampled from SAR image data collected during the winter of 1991--1992 and winter of 1992--1993. The spatial and temporal variabilities of the backscatter signatures of different ice types are discussed. The results show considerable seasonal stability of the backscatter signature of multiyear ice as well as of first-year ice. Small amplitude regional variations of the multiyear ice backscatter can be observed. Consistent contrast between multiyear ice and first-year ice is maintained throughout the season. The highest radiometric variability is observed in sea ice in leads. On the basis of these observations the backscatter from the principal ice types (multiyear and first-year) are consistent with scatterometer observations and can be easily identified under winter conditions. Correlations of the regional variations of multiyear ice signatures to physical processes are suggested. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1994