Avalanche Conditions: Game On

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I’m as excited as anyone to see new snow; however, a series of close calls have us worried.
An early winter with above average snow depths mean it’s prime avalanche season,
without much run-up. Here are some thoughts to help you plan your weekend. And pass
it on to those who are pushing a little too hard:

·     
It’s storming in the mountains. Heavy snow,
strong winds, and warming temperatures are rapidly increasing the likelihood of
avalanches.

·     
It’s only November. That means young, soft snow that
hasn’t had time to gain strength. It may look like mid-winter up high, but the
snow is almost certainly not as good as it appears.

·     
We’re watching a crust layer that formed on
Halloween. We don’t know much about it yet, but it has the makings of a
persistent problem, especially in the South Rockies and the Purcell Mtns west
of Golden and Invermere. This layer increases our concerns.

·     
Tuesday’s close call near Revelstoke saw an
entire group caught and buried. Luckily two of the sledders were “only”
partially buried. They were able to dig out their fully buried buddies, and get
the one who wasn’t breathing going again. Read
the account here. (http://www.snowandmud.com/forum/f243/avy-revy-its-here-real-21424.html).
This is only the latest in a series of near misses.

·     
Popular areas that usually get totally compacted
by heavy traffic have not seen much use yet. Avalanche conditions may be primed
in these spots.

Here’s what I’m thinking as I make my plans:

·     
It’s possible to have fun on moderate terrain:
don’t even think about big-lines, movie lines, or modern lines. Pick uniform terrain
less than 30 degrees.

·     
Smooth slopes with deeper snow help you avoid
trips to the ski shop, sled shop, or emergency department. Unfortunately, these
same slopes (grassy, rock slabs, scree, etc) can slide with as little as 50 cm
of snow which means avalanches are more likely. This is why it is important to
stay on low angle slopes.

·     
Avoid hazards above you and terrain traps below.

·     
Manage your group: talk about your thinking,
one-at-a-time on slopes, know your escape route, and only re-group in safe
spots.

·     
Practice with your beacon and have a simulated
rescue drill. If your buddies haven’t practiced – how are they going to dig you out?

Recognize this may be a short-term problem that helps in the
long run. Choosing appropriate terrain for now might be the cost for great
riding after it clears up, cools off, and the snow has time to strengthen. If
you’re willing to think more than a week into the future, this stormy weather
might be really good news!

ilya storm

forecaster@avalanche.ca   www.avalanche.ca

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