Keep informed - how to play safe in abundant fresh snow.
13/12/07. With off piste skiing, it seems we are either waiting for more snow or fretting about the avalanche risk. At the moment I would worry about the avalanche risk. Val is reporting level 4 risk after a week in which between 1m and 1.5m of snow fell and fell rapidly not slowly.
The most stable conditions are created when the snow falls steadily in small amounts 10-20cm at a time and builds up slowly. What we have now is 1m of fresh snow on top of a weak layer (especially above 2200m). Above 2200m there has been no warming or rain. Below that level the temperatures have been more volatile. which will stabilise things a bit more. However from reading the bulletin great caution is needed every where.
Risk level 4 means it is possible to trigger a slab avalanche on a steep slope when you are on a less steep slope below it. So with this risk factor, you not only need to avoid slopes greater than 30 degree angle, but you also need to ensure you do not ski too closely underneath a steep slope. Or if you do, ski quickly lightly and one at a time, ensuring you gather together in islands of safety.
The outlook is for stable cold and sunny weather as far ahead as the forecasters can reasonably predict. So a great sunny cold weekend awaits.
Future ezines will be on Thursdays - next one on 19th December
Regards - Chris Radford - HAT ezine editor
Training
We have opportunities to ski with Henry. You will develop better off piste skills and increase your confidence to stay safe and have fun out there.
14th 15th 16th Dec - Weekend adventures programme
18th 19th Dec 2 day avalanche awareness programme
25th 26th Dec - celebrate the festive season in the off piste for 2 days.
1st 2nd Jan 2 day Avalanche Awareness
We can organise special teens and family groups in the school holidays.
Call us in UK +44 20 8144 5202, to enquire.
Tip of the Week. 13/12/07
In these conditions one of the best ways to stay safe and have more fun is to think not just about where to go but about "how you go". Don't get smitten by "powder frenzy". there are a number of points around this and the exact decision must be based on a judgement about where you are, the size of the group, the skill of the group, the fitness of the group and the general mood and attitude. But these three points always matter and remain important.
Ski one at the time, - this reduces the pressure on the slab and dramatically decreases the chances you will trigger the slab to slide.
Cluster together and wait for your friends only in islands of safety.
Don't ski above other skiers. To trigger an avalanche on to someone else is a few steps worse than bad manners, you might end up in court for manslaughter.
Often this is the difference between an avalanche and an accident. These factors are even more important in risk level 4 - which is where we are right now.
Henry's Avalanche Talk
