Saturday, January 18, 2014

New Year's Deep Slab Avalanche Cycle--Jackson Hole

Deep slab instability has been a widespread plague this winter throughout North America. Jackson Hole has not been immune. Currently, in the Snake River Range, a deep faceted layer up to 80 centimeters thick sits at the ground topped with an 80-100 centimeter hard slab. These slabs are quite strong and can support the weight of many skiers. However, if a thin spot is found, or if a heavier load is applied (like a snowmachine), the results are dramatic. Today (1/18/14), a week after the storm cleared out,  a snowmachiner triggered a deep, hard slab in the Palisades. This persistent weak layer will not go away quickly.

Below are photos from the last week's avalanche cycle in the Snake River Range in Wyoming and the Palisades in Eastern Idaho.

HS-AE-R3D3-O triggered on 1/14//14 with explosives, 
South Bowl of New Year's Bowl in South Fall Creek, Snake River Range

High Mountain Heli-Ski Guide Dave Fett at the 100cm crown on New Years's Bowl

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Introducing Avalanche Forecaster and Guide Karl Klassen

If you are not familiar with the name Karl Klassen, you should be. Klassen is the Chief Avalanche Forecaster at the Canadian Avalanche Center, an IFMGA guide, and the Guide Manager at Monashee Powder Snowcats. Klassen's papers and presentations are always on the top of my list of "must see" events at the bi-annual International Snow Science Workshop. Recently, Karl helped develop the "Avalanche Problems" system of communicating avalanche hazard in forecasts--a system quickly adopted across North America that has made forecasts easier to understand and decision making in the field more focused.

Karl recently wrote a post on the Canadian Avalanche Forecaster's blog that is a worthy read for professionals and recreationalists alike. In summary, North America is dealing with a very "Continental" snowpack this year that should have serious implications on the way we all make decisions. So, whether you ski in Western Canada, California, or Colorado, please give his recent post a read.

One of These Years is Not Like the Other

On another note, Klassen's guide's at Monashee Powder Snowcats are loyal users of the PULSE beacon. They have done extensive testing of the new 4.0 "Intelligent Search" and have found it useful for guests at their operation.