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OFF PISTE SNOW REPORT
off-piste skiing conditions, although we’ll be choosing our low slope angles, <30° (the steepest part of a red run) to start with, and keeping a wary eye out for any signs of recent avalanche activity.
Recent history of the snowpack 1. Before recent snow storms the snowpack had become extremely stable, certainly up to 2500m or so. This settling was because of the warm weather and rain humidifying the snowpack, followed by its subsequent refreezing and becoming very Unsettled weather and plenty of solid. Some days the avalanche danger snowfall in the Northern French Alps rating had even been down to a 1/5. next week. 2. Check out what the avalanche danger After a mild sunny start to the current week, ratings mean. it’s now back to winter with a vengeance! 3. However, now with all From Tuesday night, we Credit: Wayne Watson the new snowfall, and more had another period of expected next week, we extremely stormy weather, will be seeing increased with howling NW winds avalanche activity. and snowfall and much lower temperatures. 198 What is the current km/hr gusts were recorded avalanche risk in the Savoie? at the Pissaillas glacier on As we write, the avalanche Wednesday afternoon! risk is currently 3/5. Avalanche activity is very likely, both spontaneous and skier After Thursday’s snowfall, we have a sunny triggered. This will be true with each fresh Friday morning and avalanche danger snowfall. For any specific points about rating 3 with fresh wind blown snow on all snow stability, you need to check the daily aspects. This means it is easy for a skier to avalanche bulletins, particularly when any trigger an avalanche on all aspects. fresh snow comes. Brought to you by Henry’s Avalanche Talk www. henrysavalanchetalk. com
Off-piste skiing conditions are very varied at the moment, largely due to the wind. Snow’s been blown all over the mountain, causing some deep drifting to occur, and some very bare areas where the snow’s been scoured off altogether. Despite poor visibility and strong winds, thanks to lower temperatures and fresh snow, we advise you to wrap up warm and get out there. There are some fantastic fresh light powder snow conditions to be found if you brave the elements. With more fresh snow expected next week, we’re looking forward to some fantastic
Where is most at risk at the moment? Steep slopes with terrain traps beneath them are always going to be particularly at risk. When we receive 75 cm to a metre of new snow (which can also mean accumulations of wind-transported snow), this can produce some very large avalanches due to the increasing load of snow, pushing through to some isolated old weak layers which still exist. The best way for you to keep track of snow stability (which is even difficult for the experts) is to look out for evidence of avalanche activity. How does the forecast look for the
