Snow Profile Techniques Reviewed

Be aware, this video is from Monday, and things have changed out there since then, however, it is a solid review of snow profile techniques.



While the avalanche danger is rated as high through much of the Wasatch today, it's a good time to review testing techniques, wax your boards and re-read that book you haven't touched since your last avy course. First on my list of books to keep you on top is Bruce Tremper's, Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain. This book is easy to read & covers virtually everything. Essentially the gold standard for the recreationist.

For the discerning snow geek on your chirstmas list, David McClung's Avalanche Handbook get's into the nitty gritty science behind, well, snow science. This book is a pre-requistie for the Canadian Avalanche Association's industry training programs. Unlike Bruce's book, this one is not easy to read. (On par with introductory/intermediate physics coursework.)

If you're a purveyor of the cottonwoods, then I'd check out Ed LaChapelle's (the "OG" cottonwoods snow guru.) ABC's of avalanche safety. Ed's wit and intutition make for a great read. On that note, if you're a Wasatch rider, here's a snipit from todays forecast:

"Human triggered avalanche are likely on slopes steeper than about 35 degrees, and slides can be triggered remotely from a distance, so avoid travel adjacent to and below steep avalanche paths. Only those people with excellent avalanche skills and experience should travel in the backcountry, and travel should be on gentle slopes and ridge lines well away from avalanche paths."

So, it's probably a good time to stay out of the Wasatch backcountry, as some freaky $h!t is happening out there!

Where-ever you roam, stay safe out there!

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