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Show agent. Both the Swiss and the Austrians have done work along these lines. In 1950 the Austrian researchers set up an experimental field in a well- known avalanche path. Half the area was controlled by a series of panels, called Kolktafel. These wind baffles were erected in echelon along the slidepath, facing the prevailing wind direction and above the normal snow level. The assumption was that these panels would affect the snow in two ways. By breaking up the even flow of the wind, they would discourage the formation of slab. The turbulence around the Kolktafel would cause discontinuities in the snow profile so that any slabs which did form would be isolated. 1950- 51 was a season of abnormal snowfall and the Kolktafel were eventually buried completely. The uncontrolled half of the slidepath avalanched violently during the blizzard, but the controlled half remained stable. Stabilizing a slope in this manner, by altering the flow of the wind currents that play upon it, has definite possibilities. Norwegian observers report success in preventing the formation of cornices by means of similar structures. Barriers of this kind would be cheap to build. If and when their effectiveness is definitely proven, they will surely become a valuable addition. Education of the public is a snow safety measure difficult to classify but no less important for that reason. People who venture into the alpine zone in winter either have excellent reasons or are adventurous by nature. In both cases they react unfavorably to restrictions. This is only natural. If a winter traveler knows anything about avalanches at all he knows that they occur infrequently and that the law of averages is in favor of the individual. It is almost impossible to convince a skier that a day of brilliant sunshine following a blizzard is anything but an invitation to leave his tracks on as many new slopes as he can reach. And he too has that dangerous conviction of personal immunity. The law of averages is not an acceptable safety device to the snow ranger. To him the life of each individual is precious. He may know with certainty that hazardous conditions exist, but lacking the cooperation of the public, it is an impossibility for him to maintain safety in an area. Education of the public in at least the basic rules of snow safety is therefore a valuable protective measure. For this reason educational films are made and lectures delivered. Volunteers who are permitted to go on blasting parties may be an added strain on the nerves of the party leader but the dividends in cooperation and better understanding are worth the trouble. For educational purposes, avalanche hazard control operations are often staged in full view of weekend crowds. The sight of an avalanche in full flight is one of the more convincing arguments in favor of obeying the safety regulations. - 73 - |