Return To Winter - Henry's Avalanche Talk - 30/01/08

Return to winter!

Henry's Avalanche Talk

After some very warm spring like weather at the beginning of the week, we are now back to January winter temps. I'm hoping that it has snowed a good bit by the time you are reading this too!

Snowpack stability: the warm weather followed by the colder temps have solidified the snowpack significantly and the lower avalanche ratings have reflected this - this is good news for the next snowfalls. For this next snow episode, I'll be looking around to see if any of the new snow is sliding and if so, where. If there is some avalanche activity, there is often a pattern - like more activity on some slopes rather than others (on North, West, South, East?). If there is more activity on east facing slopes than on any other slopes, then obviously be careful in those areas... because they probably will be the most tempting to ride in too! As far as the weak unstable depth hoar layer problem that I was concerned about earlier this season, it is now limited mainly to areas around ridges and other areas that were scoured down to a thin layer at higher altitudes. So do be careful on the lee side of wind-loaded ridges especially above 2500 meters wherever you are.

Tip of the week: 'You can see a lot just by looking'. So when it clears, look around for the good snow and for the areas that may have already shown you some instability and think about it before you jump in.

'Ride Hard Ride Safe'! - Henry

PS Check out our beeper training programmes in Val d'Isère (and soon to be coming to other resorts). Call Chris for more info: 020 8144 5202 or send an email: [email protected]

Report from Chris Radford - HAT Editor

We have had spring like conditions for 5 days now, but today the temperature dropped and the clouds descended. however there is not much sign of significant snowfall until next week. There may be some on Friday but there is dispute about which weather systems will dominate. the weather models show disturbed weather for the early part of next week, with lower snow bearing temperatures.

The avalanche risk in La Plagne today was dropped to 1 as the recent warm weather has bonded the snowpack and then today's cold weather ensured the snow is hard and well gripped to the base.

The best snow was on North facing higher slopes or north facing slopes in the shady tree areas. (which was great, since visibility above the trees was a bit tricky.

Henry's More Adventures programme has been enjoying the sunshine and finding the best snow either high and north facing or where it is wind blown and well packed. the crusty stuff is much harder work.

Snow next week will change it all again. 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 - next one on 6th February.

Regards: Chris Radford: HAT ezine editor

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