PICTURES FROM AN AVI MORNING

Here are pictures Chris took that kinda show the sequence of what happened one avalanche control morning.

Telemetry data from the previous 24 hours:  Wind speeds & directions, precipitation amounts and intensity, and temperatures, etc.  

5:30am Data Analysis:  The Snow Safety Director finalizes that day’s avalanche control plan.

5:50am Morning Meeting:  Briefing the crew on that morning’s plan.

Daybreak Field Prep:  Getting hand charges ready.  (photo lightened for clarity)

Patrick drops a charge into a cornice’s sweet spot

90 seconds later, Success!  Hazard and difficult bowl-entry mitigated*.

Patrick kick-turns to get a good look at the crown (fracture) of a slab avalanche started by a hand charge he threw from higher up on the ridge.

Check back!  We hope to add a little more "story" to go along with these pictures when we get time–hopefully in a few days! 

* Keep in mind that mitigated means lessened, not eliminated.   Small pockets of avalanche hazard can remain after control work so use good snow sense when traveling in avalanche terrain:  Carry a shovel, probe, and transceiver that you’re proficient in using, and keep a partner (who has the same equipment and skills) in sight.