avalanche notes

[eub]

steps
	plan
		hazard forecast
		expected terrain and weather conditions
		include alternate routes / destinations
		avalanche.org, turns-all-year.com
	to and at trailhead
		do conditions match expected?
	traveling
		conditions as expected?  terrain matches map?
		test snow stability -- pole test, hand-pits

terrain
	angle -- above 30 more hazardous
	profile -- convexity causes strain
	aspect -- windward vs. lee slope history
		our storms most often from S to W;
		N and E aspects most often lee.
	anchors
	elevation

weather
	wind -- > 12-15 mph moves a lot of snow
	precipitation -- 1"/hr is serious.  24-48 hr settling time.
	temperature
	sun
		in cold ambient, sun warmth may stabilize snow
		in warm ambient, sun may trigger wet-snow slides
		more sun on S aspect, obviously, and W.

routefinding
	low angle
	cross high on slope
	anchors
	minimize downhill traps
	consider uphill -- runout of slides, icefall

hazard signs
	recent avalanche activity, esp. if on multiple aspects
	open area below treeline, esp. as gully
	low branches stripped

one at a time.  keep your eye on the one.
track the snow that one went under until it stops moving.

Rutschblock better than shovel shear.

Comments

[mh75.livejournal.com]

useful.
when are you going to see snow again?