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.
no subject
when are you going to see snow again?