The 5 Red Flags Unstable Snow and Avalanche Danger

Summary

Craig Gordon from the Utah Avalanche Center shares five key 'red flags' for identifying unstable snow conditions. These include recent avalanche activity, cracking or collapsing sounds in the snow, strong winds, heavy snowfall (over an inch per hour), and rapidly rising temperatures. Gordon emphasizes the importance of keeping it simple by watching for these critical signs, which can indicate dangerous snowpack conditions and help prevent accidents in the backcountry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Recent avalanche activity is a major red flag. If avalanches are occurring on the same slopes you're planning to ride, it's a clear warning of unstable snow.
• 😀 Cracking and collapsing sounds indicate weak snow beneath a stronger layer. This is a significant warning sign of an unstable snowpack.
• 😀 Strong winds can move snow up to 10 times faster than snowfall, which can contribute to unstable snow conditions.
• 😀 Heavy snowfall (an inch per hour or more) is a key indicator of potential avalanche risk.
• 😀 Rapidly rising temperatures can cause instability in the snowpack, which can increase the likelihood of avalanches.
• 😀 The snowpack might seem complex, but sticking to the five red flags helps simplify the process of assessing avalanche risk.
• 😀 The first red flag is recent avalanche activity, which provides an immediate clue about the stability of the snow.
• 😀 Collapsing sounds (often referred to as ‘whumping’) are a strong indication that the snowpack is unstable.
• 😀 Winds can cause shifts in the snowpack, making previously stable snow prone to sliding, especially if strong enough.
• 😀 Keep a close watch on snowfall rates and temperature changes, as these can both change the stability of the snowpack quickly.

Q & A

What is the first red flag of unstable snow?

The first red flag is recent avalanche activity. If you see avalanches on slopes similar to the ones you plan to ride on, it's a strong indication of unstable snow.

How does collapsing in the snowpack indicate instability?

Collapsing in the snowpack occurs when strong snow moves over weak snow. This collapse creates a distinct sound and signals instability in the snow.

Why are strong winds a red flag for unstable snow?

Strong winds can move snow much faster than snow falling naturally from the sky, which can lead to dangerous snowdrifts and unstable conditions.

What amount of snowfall per hour is considered a red flag?

Heavy snowfall of an inch or more per hour is a red flag, as it can contribute to snow instability and potential avalanche risks.

How does rapidly rising temperature affect the snowpack?

Rapidly rising temperatures can destabilize the snowpack, causing it to weaken and increasing the likelihood of avalanches.

How many red flags should you watch for when assessing snow stability?

You should watch for all five red flags mentioned: recent avalanche activity, cracking or collapsing, strong winds, heavy snowfall, and rising temperatures.

Why does Craig Gordon emphasize keeping things simple in snow stability assessments?

Craig Gordon emphasizes simplicity because the snowpack can be complex, and focusing on the five red flags helps to keep things clear and actionable.

What does the phrase 'mother nature's freebie' refer to in this context?

The phrase 'mother nature's freebie' refers to recent avalanche activity. If avalanches are occurring naturally on slopes, it's a clear sign of unstable snow.

How can collapsing snow be a dangerous sign in the snowpack?

Collapsing snow indicates that there is a weak layer in the snowpack, which can lead to a larger collapse, increasing the risk of an avalanche.

What is the key takeaway from Craig Gordon's advice on snow instability?

The key takeaway is that by focusing on the five red flags (recent avalanche activity, cracking or collapsing, strong winds, heavy snowfall, and rising temperatures), you can more easily identify unstable snow conditions and reduce the risk of avalanches.