A PA16 pilot reported encountering unexpected icing conditions obscured the windshield and formed on the wings and propellor resulting in a diversion to the nearest airport.

Narrative

After departing ZZZ on a VFR solo flight northbound; I leveled at approximately 2;000 MSL (~1;000-1;200 AGL). Visibility was good with no significant cloud cover; but light patchy moisture was present. Outside air temperature was -1°C.Shortly after leveling; I encountered unexpected and rapid airframe icing inconsistent with the visual conditions. Ice began forming on the propeller spinner; prop root; wing leading edges; and windshield. Within a short period; the windshield became completely obscured; resulting in a loss of forward visibility. Ice was also noted aft of the leading edge on the wing's upper surface; suggesting supercooled large droplets.Although the accumulation was thin (estimated ~1/8'); the combination of rapid onset; aft migration; and windshield loss constituted an immediate hazard. Carburetor heat was on and the engine continued operating normally; but due to the aircraft type (non-FIKI) and the possibility of encountering additional icing ahead; I elected to divert immediately.I proceeded directly to the nearest suitable airport and exited the icing layer shortly thereafter. To ensure I understood the visual cues with the iced windshield and verify aircraft handling; I conducted one low approach before committing to a full-stop landing. Aircraft control remained normal.I landed safely on Runway XX; taxied clear; and was met by airport personnel who had been alerted by observers of the low approach. The aircraft was placed in a heated hangar to remove ice. No damage or injuries occurred.Contributing Factors: OAT near freezing (-1°C); Presence of a shallow layer of supercooled large droplets not visually obvious; Lack of anti-ice / deice systems on the PA-16; Rapid windshield icing in VMC conditionsCorrective Actions: Immediate diversion; Exit from icing layer; Low approach to verify handling/visibility; Precautionary full-stop landing at nearest airport; Aircraft secured and de-iced in heated hangarThis was an unexpected icing event in what appeared to be marginal but non-threatening weather. Filing this report to assist in recognizing and documenting SLD/SCWD events that may occur outside obvious IMC.