
Surface hoar crystals, which, when buried by subsequent snowfall are renowned for forming a weak layer in the snowpack.
Quiz answers
- A transceiver, shovel and probe.
- The humans themselves. 95% of all serious avalanche accidents are actually triggered by the people involved.
- Yell, try to outrun / ski it, ski off to the side, swimming action to stay on the surface, remove skis, poles and backpack.
- One at a time, from safe spot to safe spot.
- No, it is likely it is safe if you cross on the same track but no guarantee. The snowpack is constantly changing . Weather conditions which may not have an obvious visible impact on the snow such as solar radiation, humidity, prolonged low temperature . . . can destabilise the snowpack such that you become the trigger that sets off an avalanche.
- All seasons of the year if you are venturing into avalanche terrain where there may be snow instability.
- Ascertain that there is no further danger of avalanches before venturing onto the slope.
- 15 minutes
- Terrain, snow stability and weather.
- Weather forecast, local information, avalanche hazard rating, the experience of the group.