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Knowing When to Get Off a Warming Slope in Spring | UNITED STATES, OREGON | 04/08/2009, by powderjunky

Bootpacking up a spring time slope
Ah spring, the time of year when one falls in love with ski mountaineering all over again. I love spring most of all because of American Idol, uh i mean more stable conditions to ski steeper lines. Early mornings mean safe conditions and timing is key in order to get out and back before the sun gives the snow a solar beat down. Unfortunately for me waking up at the crack of dawn is more painful than watching 50 minutes of commercials in one hour long episode of Heros. So when should crack of nooners like myself realize we are too late and its time to get off the slope? Here are some simple guidelines illustrated below and in the video. These guidelines only apply to spring condtions when a melt/freeze cycle is in full effect. All these methods assume you are hiking in just boots, no skis, pants optional, and are on a slope capable of producing an avalanche, roughly a slope between 28-50 degrees.


How to determine when you should get off a warming slope.


Great - No Sinkage
If you can walk across the slope and not sink in at all, You should be in the clear from wet avalanches.

Okay - Ankle Sinkage
Once the snow starts to soften from the sun and you start to sink into your ankles, this is a good time to be skiing down. It should through a yellow flag to you saying that its getting warmer and we should change aspects or go home sooner than later.

Bad - Calf or higher
Once you start to sink in past your calf its time to give it up and head for home or change apsects. This is bad news and a wet slide could be right around the corner. Besides usually when the snow is this unsupportive you won't want to ski it anyway.

And there you have it. While every one has different levels of acceptable risk this is a good place to start to stay safe and ski good corn snow in the spring. Let us know if you have anything to add or have any questions in the comments below. Peace and Hair Grease.


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