Active avalanches

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

By Lisa Van Sciver

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-While scanning Jackson’s surrounding mountains, large crowns can be seen as we continue a year active with avalanches. The persistent, large grain, weak layers of depth hoar and advanced facets can still be found in many places at the bottom of our snowpack. As storms continue to load these slopes the trigger points or sweet spot become more difficult to find, making slopes appear stable, when they may still be extremely hazardous.

 This newly loaded snow could create an easily released soft slab, which could then step down into older layers, and maybe even rip to the ground like the avalanche last week above Ski Lake. Clair Isrealson, a Canadian avalanche specialist said, “Depth hoar is like having your crazy aunt come for a visit. She stays forever and you just never know when she’s going to snap.” This persistent, weak layer we have been seeing in our mountains this year cannot be trusted until proven innocent.

 So far this season in the Continental Rockies there have been 12 deaths caused by avalanches. Careful route finding and selection of slopes is essential. Watch for recent avalanche activity and note their aspect and elevation. The reality is finding a sweet spot is not that sweet. So stay safe, because winter comes every year. JHW

 
PERMALINK:
Active avalanches | Planet JH News Article: Snow Report Column

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