| As a back country snowboarder I have mixed | | | | |
| feelings when I hear of tragedy on the | | | | The second factor in the cause of avalanches |
| mountain. I do feel sorry for the victims | | | | is the snow pack. Snow builds up on a |
| because sometimes very experienced people get | | | | mountain in layers with every weather event. |
| caught in freak situations. I also feel | | | | To study the layers to determine the safety |
| angry about the number of inexperienced | | | | of the slope, cut a column of snow with a |
| people that venture off where they shouldn't | | | | snow saw. The dense, dark, strong layers |
| be without the proper training. I would | | | | consist of small round snow grain that is |
| like to work toward a safer sport by | | | | well bonded. The "sugary" or loose layers |
| advocating back country safety programs like | | | | that are lighter in color and are poorly |
| Friends of Berthood Pass, and CAIC, Colorado | | | | bonded are the weaker layers. If the dense |
| Avalanche Information Center. By getting | | | | layer is on the bottom with the light sugar |
| people educated we can reduce fatalities on | | | | layer on top then have fun. If the sugar |
| the mountains we love. Here I will discuss | | | | layer is below the dense layer it will not be |
| the three basic factors that contribute to | | | | able to support the dense layer. One track |
| avalanches. They are terrain, snowpack, and | | | | by a snowboarder may then cause the slope to |
| weather. | | | | slide. |
| | | | |
| The first step in avalanche safety is to be | | | | The effect of weather on a slope is the third |
| able to recognize avalanche terrain. Most | | | | factor that causes avalanches. Snow that |
| avalanches occur on slopes between 30 and 45 | | | | falls very quickly puts much more stress on a |
| degrees, but can occur on slopes from 25 to | | | | slope than it may be able to handle. Another |
| 60 degrees depending on other variables. | | | | less obvious variable is wind. Wind can |
| Another factor is the slope's aspect. In | | | | redistribute large amounts of snow. |
| other words the direction the slope faces. | | | | Temperature can also play a large part in the |
| Is the face on the windward or leeward side, | | | | cause of an avalanche. Warmer temperatures |
| is the snow sun baked or in the shade. The | | | | can produce a stronger snowpack, but if the |
| last factor is the features of the slope. | | | | temperature increases too quickly the |
| Are there trees or outcroppings that would | | | | snowpack will become too heavy for lower |
| break up an avalanche lane of travel? What | | | | layers to support it. |
| is the shape of the slope? | | | | |