Winter is back; Know your slough

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

By Brigid Mander

The powder returned to us earlier this week after what seemed like a terribly long drought. The week of blue skies wouldn’t have been so bad, except for the sweltering temperatures. Hopefully, that was the last we’ll see of spring for a while.

Sunday and Monday’s two feet of snow was deep enough to cover up the nasty suncrust the warmth left us with, even on many southern exposures. However, the suncrust provided a slick running surface for new snow. Soft snow slabs were very easily triggered, running fast and deep enough to accumulate substantial energy.

Anyone who has ever seen a ski movie should know that large sloughs can be a serious adversary, and something to pay attention to. Before you ski, know whether you have the ability to get away from moving snow, and don’t send it down on others. If that is beyond your skills, try to stay in safer areas.

For the rest of the week, the general danger should decrease as new snow settles. Wind-loaded starting zones and warming temps are, as always, a concern. Skier-triggered movement later in the week will likely have consequences beyond a fluffy slough ride.


PERMALINK:
Winter is back; Know your slough | Planet JH News Article: Snow Report Column

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