Weekly report from HAT - 29/02/08
The snowfall predicted for this weekend looks to be weaker than we had hoped with 10-15cm on Friday Saturday. There is a further indication of more snow on Wednesday and again next Saturday, but still no sign of another big dump.
However the risk level is predicted to rise to 3 due to a complex situation involving high temperatures and warming of slopes in some spots. But also look out for cold conditions on North Slopes above 2500m causing some transformation that Henry discusses below.
HAT in the Sunday Times
It's been quite a bit of time and organising, but finally Fab's interview about the work of the Piste Patrol will be the subject of a Sunday Times article this Sunday, 2 March (probably not the international edition). See photo of interview . Take a look this was organised by Henry.
Thursday in depth talks 18.00 at Dicks
We have decided to run the in depth as a more structured session. Here is a brief outline of the new structure.
Basically it will include:
Fab discusses ski patrol tasks, blasting, recco
Video and presentation on weekly topic:
Search and rescue techniques
Snow metamorphosis and avalanche triggering Route selection Human factor
Current conditions
Weather and Avalanche forecast
Q&A
So be careful, study the bulletins (on our web logs.) and read ski diaries from Andreas Henry and Wayne Watson of Alpine Experience
Future ezines will be on Wednesday evening or Thursday.
Regards - Chris Radford - HAT ezine editor
Snow report from Henry
There are times when a guy will take anything he can get and now is one of those times for me. Any dusting of snow,... any bits of soft white patches bring joy to my heart these days. It might not be huge dumps or even small dumps yet (although I'm somewhat hopeful for Monday and Tuesday), but it's something and that is a good thing!
I guess the chance of real snow helps my optimism too. And the fact that the snow-pack is really stable helps a lot. But Just a reminder for when we really do get more snow: last week and the week before I mentioned a concern I have for the next significant snowfall. This concern is still valid: it is the return and continued build-up of angular crystals, 'frisette' and depth hoar on flat and shaded slopes above 2500 due to the cold temps two weeks ago and before (the recent warm temps have not altered their shape, form or existence).
The renewed growth of angular grains and depth hoar is not a problem now; in fact it has made for some very nice skiing in some places! But, with the next significant snowfalls (total 30 to 40cm or more in one place), it will be a source of instability under the new snow on shaded slopes that were not subjected to much skier compaction. So that really means in places that were not 'pisted off-piste' and more on north-facing/shaded slopes (where most avalanche accidents take place) that have not been skied very much.
I have been out off-piste and touring in the last few days - there is definitely a lot of unconsolidated snow around on the types of slopes I just mentioned. It's starting to make up the whole snowpack in some places.
Tip of the week
If we do get a lot of snow at some point over the next week then watch out for the 'powder frenzy'. That happens when we haven't had snow for a while and when it finally comes, we go crazy. Off-piste isn't dangerous unless you do something foolish and there's no better scenario for foolish off-piste than when you and you're your mates go nuts and create a powder frenzy. Take it from someone who has been foolish more than once and been lucky.
'Ride Hard Ride Safe'!
Henry
Update from Andreas
February 26, 2008
Harder and harder to find good snow, but still SOME around if you look for it! We still find the odd bit of good snow by looking hard and today I guess I found 100 + powder turns before getting in to some great couloir skiing.
The snow is pretty much only good on Northern aspects and even there low down there could be some crust due to the heat over the last couple of days. There are quite a lot of avalanche activity on slopes that have warmed up, not only on southern expositions.
So, we are due some snow over the last couple of days and to be honest, even 5 cm would be great to smooth things out but 30 would be better!!!
Stay tuned.
Have fun and be safe
Andreas
We have opportunities to ski with Henry. In all these programmes you will develop better off piste skills and increase your confidence to stay safe and have fun out there. They are all about getting out into the off piste and having more fun and building confidence.
We can sell places for 1 day or 2 days if a full programme is too much or just too inflexible for you. Costs are around £100 a day per person or £70 for just a morning session.
We can organise special teens and family groups in the school holidays.
Call the UK +44 20 8144 5202 to enquire.
