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