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ALPTRUTH. A valanches in the area in the last 48 hours L oading by snow, wind or rain in the last 48 hours P aths, Avalanche paths T errain Traps R ating, considerable or higher on the current avalanche bulletin U nstable snow: Collapsing or cracking
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ALPTRUTH • Avalanches in the area in the last 48 hours • Loading by snow, wind or rain in the last 48 hours • Paths, Avalanche paths • Terrain Traps • Rating, considerable or higher on the current avalanche bulletin • Unstable snow: Collapsing or cracking • Thaw instability, recent warming of the snow surface 92% of all accidents happen when 3 or more of these things are present.
Avalanches ALPTRUTH • Signs of recent slides • Natural slides within the last 48 hrs • Teton Pass is closed • Debris on the roads • In www.jhsnowobs.org or on the BT report
Loading ALPTRUTH • Snow or rain in the last 48 hours • An inch an hour for 6 or more hours, making 8” total or more • Amplified by terrain features • Amplified by high winds
Loading:amplified by wind From The Avalanche Handbook, McClung and Schaerer
windward Leeward Safe Scary! T. Leonard Photo Loading
Paths: Avalanche Paths ALPTRUTH • Large and small • Recognizable by a novice • Funnels and fans • What are the clues?
Terrain Traps ALPTRUTH • Often near creekbeds, roadcuts • Often not as obvoius • Consequences of being caught are amplified • “nowhere to run”
Rating: what does the avalanche report say? ALPTRUTH • www.jhavalanche.org • 307-733-2664 • Caution if it is Considerable, High, or Extreme
Rating ALPTRUTH
Unstable Snow ALPTRUTH • Collapsing or Whumphing • Shooting cracks • Heavy over weak
ThawInstability ALPTRUTH • Rapid temperature rise: The FIRST time the temp rises 12-15 degrees F in 12 hours or less after a long cold spell
Effects of Temperature on a Slab • Cold temps = frozen and hard slab • Rapid warming and skier triggering • General warm temps and settlement • Wet snow and the Melt-freeze regime
AVALANCHE TRIANGLE SNOWPACK TERRAIN WEATHER
RedYellow Green LightDecision Making Don’t forget the Human Factor - Risk Tolerance -Experience -Group Size -Powder -Male Red Light Terrain -30-45 degrees -Leeward -Loaded Snowpack -Natural Avalanches -Collapsing -Shooting Cracks -Heavy over Light -Easy test scores -Q1 Shears Weather -1” an hour for 6 + hours -<12” in 24-48 hours -Wind -Rapid Warming
ALPTRUTH • Avalanches in the area in the last 48 hours • Loading by snow, wind or rain in the last 48 hours • Paths, Avalanche paths • Terrain Traps • Rating, considerable or higher on the current avalanche bulletin • Unstable snow: Collapsing or cracking • Thaw instability, recent warming of the snow surface 92% of all accidents happen when 3 or more of these things are present.