HAT Snow Report Jan 23, 2010
Generally the conditions are stable and safe, but in places there is a risk of death’, from the late French mountain guide and avalanche expert, Claude Rey. I couldn’t describe the current conditions and the latest accidents better myself. It is stable in most places off-piste and the snow has been great.
So I would add that in order to decide where it is safe or dangerous, you need to: do some basic research like look at the avalanche bulletins very closely, know the hazard ratings definitions (all this is in English on www.henrysavalanchetalk.com), talk to experienced local people like Fab the Pisteur, look around for signs of danger yourself and begin to learn more by either coming to a talk or viewing an on-line talk. Most importantly, keep thinking while you’re riding!
When deciding where to go off-piste (I’m off piste every day) I’ve been using a lot of intuition over the last few weeks. That is hard to replicate for the average saisonaire (or someone out just for a week) I know, but to be honest, I’ve not been skiing big slopes above 2600 metres that have large areas that are over 25° slope steepness. Below that, the rain in late December helped to stabilize the snowpack and the very weak layer that evolved in early/mid December.. So at times I’m going steeper at those altitudes.
Tips for this coming week.
We’ve had nice fresh snow off and on recently; it looks like that trend will continue. If you want to be safe, go for the nice stuff on lower slope angles. If you go ‘steep and deep’, remember that the weak layer is still out there.. the slope you’re on most probably won’t release, but it might. So be ready for it. Have Fun and Be Safe!
Off Piste & Avalanche Awareness Talks: Week of 24 January:
Monday (on bad weather days) 15.30 sharp Basic Talk at the Moris in Val d’Isère Weds 18.00 sharp Basic Talk at the Pacific Bar in Val d’Isère You need to show up at least15 mins before the talk to take advantage of the deals on food & drink!
Tickets are €7.50 (one person under 18 per adult free) and includes great deals on food and drinks at each place! Pre-booking on line price is: £6 on www.henrysavalanchetalk.com (if you can’t come to a talk see our on-line talks on the web site)
HAT is taking the Talks on-snow this year for people who want to learn more in Val d’Isère & Tignes!
See www.henrysavalanchetalk.com for more info on these practical short courses.
