Avalanche Cheat List
Avalanche Cheat List by
Jeff Medaugh
Here
is a text version of a avalanche cheatsheet I use when travelling in the
backcountry. This goes on a index card (two-sided) in my avalanche test
kit. This is no substitute for training, but works as a reminder. I like
having the Beaufort scale on there to check out the wind loading.
Copped from several sources, you know who you are:
Heavy dense snowfall
or rain.
New snowfall greater
than 12 inches, any density.
Snowfall rate greater
than 1" per hour.
Wind loading greater
than 15 mph.
Long/clear/cold spell
followed by significant snowfall or wind loading.
Storms that begin cold and end
warm.
Rapid temperature
rise during the day.
Prolonged period of
above-freezing temperature.
Intense sun, especially
near cliff bands.
Any combination of
above.
Test Safe/Short Slope Greater than 30 degrees with same aspect and elevation of suspect slope. Slope must be facing same direction as suspect slope.
1. Block fails as
you isolate it or walk above it.
2. Block fails when
you carefully step on it.
3. Block fails when
you make a sudden sinking or deep-knee bend.
4. Block fails when
you jump vigorously with skis.
5. Block fails when
you jump vigorously with skis a second time.
6. Block fails when
you jump repeatedly with or without skis.
7. Block does not
fail.
1, 2, or 3 - High to
Extreme Hazard - Avoid ALL slopes above 25 degrees
4 or 5 - Moderate -
Avalanches possible on slopes greater than 35 degrees
6 or 7 - Low - Avalanches
unlikely except in isolated pockets or steep gullies
Number Speed Effects
1 Smoke rises vertically.
1-3 Smoke shows direction.
4-7 Wind felt on face,
leaves rustle.
8-12 Leaves and twigs
in constant motion. Blows up small leaves from ground.
13-18 Moves small
branchs, raises dust and paper and drives them along
19-24 Large branches
& small trees in leaf begin to sway. Crested wavelets on inland water.
25-31 Large branches
in continous motion.
32-38 Whole trees
in motion, inconvenient walking.
39-46 Breaks twigs
and small branches, difficult to walk.
47-54 Loosens bricks
on chimneys, litters ground with broken branches
55-63 Trees uprooted,
considerable damage.
64-75 Widespread structural
damage.
75+ Severe and extensive
damage.
See you out there...
