[MCR] Feb 04 Surface Hoar Discussion

Subject: [MCR] Feb 04 Surface Hoar Discussion
Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2007 19:03:03 -0700
I fear that my last post which mentioned the Feb 04 surface hoar was oversimplified. The reason I mentioned this layer in my post in the first place was that I was worried someone might misinterprate the fact that we were skiing bigger more agressive lines as a sign stability/hazard had improved. Reality is that in most locations of the interior, it is still a grave concern, however here at Battle Abbey, after carefull study it is not...

I regret this over simplification and urge folks to make real sure this scary beast of a layer is not hiding under your ski's! Here is how I came to be comfortable that at Battle Abbey it was not an issue. 1: First of all the layer is not only surface hoar but a collection of possible crusts, facets and/or a combo of these. It has caused many accidents and close calls. So at first I was very wary. 2. I received information from a credible source, one of the owners who has been guiding at the Abbey since Feb 7th said that this layer was isolated there and that high winds, sun and settlement had all contributed to strengthening its bond. Our tests over a few days also showed an improving trend. 3. We skied conservative terrain to start the week, using many tools to test stability: ski cutting convex rolls, looking for any signs of weakness, doing shear and compression tests, skiing known indicator slopes and checking out stability in frequent flyers (slopes that avalanche often). 4. Finally after a few days of this, I eased my way carefully into some steeper terrain in the most conservative manner. We also called stability good in the Alpine, treeline and below treeline every day since I got here. Finally we eased our way carefully in bigger lines.

I appologize for my original oversimplication and attribute my oversight or rather undersight, to the fact that the MCR serves both the public and the proffessional. As such I tried to find the middle ground, not telling pro's how to do their jobs, while at the same time giving the typical recreationalist a caution. In reality it is much more accurate to be very precise and informative rather than taking anything for granted, after all the pro's are used to sifting through info they do not need that could be crucial to a less experienced person's decision making. Never take anything for granted!
Happy and safe skiing, Eric, ACMG guide

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