Face Shots

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

By Lisa Van Sciver

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Last weekend there was talk of chocking, cold checks, snow down the jacket, and wet clothes, but all in a very positive tone. From Jan. 19 to 24, 52 inches of snow fell. The majority of this precipitation came during the last two days of the storm cycle, with 37 inches. It suddenly became difficult to make a turn without receiving a face shot.

The weak, shallow snowpack was quickly loaded, adding weight and stress to old buried layers. On north-northeast aspects, slopes that have not slid more than likely hold hard slabs resting on faceted snow. There has been recent avalanche activity where north-facing slopes released to the ground, leaving behind crowns up to 10 feet in depth.

Although northerly aspects are the greatest hazard, remember the various buried surfaces. South slopes hold a slick sliding surface, created by the above freezing temperatures, which occurred several days before the storm. This winter’s long stretches of dry weather has increased the snowpack’s spatial variability, so treat each slope individually.

For now, the snorkels have come off the shelves, as local skiers once again enjoy endless powder runs and face shots all day. JHW


PERMALINK:
Face Shots | Planet JH News Article: Snow Report Column

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