Spring Snow
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
By Lisa Van Sciver
Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Last week’s above freezing temperatures and hot sun changed our winter snowpack to a spring snowpack. The spring’s melt-freeze cycle partially melts snow grains during the day and then refreezes them at night. From this cycle, a supportable crust is formed, and when it begins to melt, it becomes a soft, smooth skiing surface. Though once the snow becomes too warm, it transforms into unsupportable slush.
To maintain the smooth skiing surfaces found during the spring melt-freeze cycle, there is etiquette for backcountry riders. Knowing spring skiing etiquette will not only keep the skiing good, but it will also mitigate the hazard of wet slides. The etiquette is simple: when the snow is too soft do not ski it. Too soft is when your ski or board starts to sink into the slush and leaves behind ruts. There are many aspects to ride, so plan your tour with the day’s temperatures.
During last week’s melt-freeze cycle, green grass popped up around the valley, snow depths shrank, and the avalanche hazard dropped to low. Low probability of avalanches does not mean there is no possibility. Remember, the hazard rating does not forecast for terrain above 10,000 feet. So check your slopes even though it is spring snow, because this year’s thin snowpack and persistent weak layers can cause the unpredictable outliers. JHW
PERMALINK:
Spring Snow | Planet JH News Article: Snow Report Column
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