What is a Persistent Slab Avalanche? In the world of avalanche safety, a persistent slab avalanche is one of the most notorious hazards because of how long it can linger. Unlike storm or wind slabs that may stabilize quickly, persistent slabs are caused by weak layers deep within the snowpack, such as buried surface hoar […]
Avalanche Glossary: Deep Persistent Slabs Read More »
Spring is arguably the best season of the year for backcountry skiing and splitboarding. Warmer temps, longer days, and a solid snowpack are usually in the cards. Winter is great for snowfall, but as we know, too much snow can be a bad thing in the backcountry. So in the mountains, spring is where we
Level Up With Our Spring Backcountry Ascension Clinics Read More »
You usually don’t notice the impermanence of good snow until it’s gone. I say this as the rain deluges the Pacific Coast here in British Columbia, where the final patches of snow wash away after two weeks of a rare treat: champagne powder at sea level. The west coast endured a three-day blast of arctic
The Study (and Love) of Temporality In Backcountry Snowboarding and Skiing Read More »
What are Cornices? Cornices are massive, overhanging snow formations that develop along ridgelines and peaks, sculpted by wind into precarious, delicate structures. To an inexperienced backcountry traveler, they might appear like natural snow drifts, but they are one of the most deceptive and dangerous hazards in avalanche terrain. Cornices can collapse without warning, triggering avalanches
Avalanche Glossary: Cornices Read More »
Avalanches Can Happen To Anyone Dave Henkel was a genius. Not the type of genius that most of society considers, but he is one who had life dialled in a way that bode well for him. He was a true trendsetter, and led the way for a generation of backcountry shredders in Whistler that didn’t
Why Every Backcountry Explorer Needs Consistent Practice Read More »
The United States has many regions that include avalanche prone terrain. Over the years, many regional groups have organized to create avalanche forecasts to help people exploring those areas become safer and better informed about the conditions present. Here is a list of different avalanche centers that offer forecasts, bullitens, and other resources to help
Links to Avalanche Forecasts in the United States Read More »
There’s a famous quote by Max Planck that says: It’s one of those meditative little lines that becomes more deep and insightful the more you ponder on it. There are many good analogies that can come from this, but the way I like to think about it by making the you in the quote a
Understanding Aspect in Backcountry Decision Making: Building Your Mountain Sense Read More »
Terrain traps are a major hazard in avalanche terrain. It could be the difference between life and death if you can spot them and know how to avoid them.
Avalanche Glossary: Terrain Traps Read More »