OCR Text |
Show 5* Scars in the timber, especially with the narrow end on top, are apt to be avalanche paths* 6, Heavily timbered slopes seldom avalanche. 7* Slopes with scattered timber are no safer than those completely open* 8* Lee slopes are favorable for the accumulation of excess amounts of loose snow and the formation of slab. The overhang of a cornice points toward the lee. Drifts form at right angles to the wind with the steepest side toward the lee* 9* Gullies lying at right angles to the wind are apt to be blown fall of loose snow or slabbed on the lee side* 10* Windbeaten slopes are likely to be windpacked or windcrusted and safe* 11. Southerly exposures favor sun. slides in new snow and the wet avalanches of spring* Avalanche Snow 1* Unstable dry snow is loose and full of air* It has little flotation and lacks cohesion* It sifts into a ski track like sand* 2* Unstable damp snow is tacky* It slithers out from underfoot and rolls away in balls or slips blanketwise, 3* Transition snow- on the borderline between damp and d r y - is especially favorable to slab* ( Dry snow will not pack if squeezed lightly in the gloved hand* Damp snow will pack* Transition snow is Just in between* If in doubt, call it transition)* U* Unstable wet snow is mushy and waterlogged, even under a thin frozen crust. It allows deep penetration of a ski or snow ring* Spring or corn snow may get mushy on the surface but is firm beneath* 5* Slabbed snow may be soft or hard but always fractures into blocks with cracks running out to a distance* It settles suddenly underfoot with a crunching sound, 6, Well settled snow has good flotation and makes a clean, sharp track* 7. Windpacked or windcrusted snow may break underfoot bat does not fracture into blocks or with long cracks. Wind ripples on the surface are an indication of windpacking. Avalanche Hazard 1* Avoid it by good route selection. Learn the known avalanche paths, the prevailing winds and the latest storm data. lour nearest snow ranger or patrol leader is a good source of information. - 140- |