S5E09
TME 06/02/10
Saturday, February 6th, 2010Editor’s Letter
Saturday, February 6th, 2010Well, here we are again as another week rolls on by with more sun, snow and parties. Hopefully, by some kind of divine intervention, the beginning of February will bring the temperature up to a tolerable level. Bad taste saw some nice outfits get pulled out of the closet, as well as some which I’m sure would get you arrested in certain states. You know who you are, as does the laundry guy!
This week we went undercover to see Val d’Isère nightlife from the perspective of a late night door person, so we’ve now seen what you’re really like at night. We also have a round-up from the winter X Games. Before you ask, it’s for the North American one in Aspen. Don’t worry, you didn’t miss the whole thing in Tignes. That’s in March, we have also moved the sport to page 21 to give the what’s on space to breathe.
It’s time for the families to arrive in town. There aren’t too many this week but you will definitely notice the influx of people into town next weekend. Enjoy your week’s holiday or, if you’re here for the season,
don’t work too hard. Oh and if anyone sees my big sister about town, be nice to her.
She’s ace. MB
The Snowpack Report
Saturday, February 6th, 2010Wind and snow have dominated the weather over the past week – leading us to go for soft snow in areas sheltered from the wind. Looks like more snow coming Tuesday/Wednesday!
Snow Quality and Stability
There’s been some really good snow this past week in areas sheltered from the strong winds, but we’ve all been paying keen attention to a couple weak layers that have been evolving due to the very cold temperatures of early this past week and last week. Clues regarding these weak layers have been numerous: numerous reports of ‘whoomphing’ (which is the thunderous sound of a weak layer collapsing under a new layer of snow) over the last week, flagrant weak layers in many places especially on North-ish slopes (obvious in quick snow pits of 50-60cm or less, pisteur’s published snow pit data etc.), quite a few slab avalanche releases and the Météo France Avalanche Bulletins. You can keep up to date on the recent observed avalanches in Savoie: natural, artificial and accidental; as Méteo France Bourg St Maurice has been reporting/listing them most days on the official avalanche bulletins (you can access a translated version of this via www.getoffpiste.com).Tips for this coming weekStart your day on low angle slopes and think seriously about going on steeper slopes.. or not. Base your decisions on observable facts (like recent avalanche activity, info in the avalanche bulletin) and talk to the pisteurs – many of them will have just been out blasting. They may not tell you where the best skiing is, but if you can demonstrate to them that you are not an idiot, they will impart valuable information about the snow stability.
Have Fun and Be Safe!
