| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
Also on Backpacker.com
Backpacker Magazine – March 2010
How to Cross a Spring Snowfield
Cross the steeps safely and avoid avalanches with these guide-approved tips.
Illustration by Supercorn
-
Tags:
- Skills |
- Survival |
- Winter camping |
Ascend
Switchback up softer spring slopes by kicking flat, evenly spaced steps into the snow with the toe of your boot. Prevent a serious fall with a self-belay: Holding your axe in your uphill hand, plunge the spike and shaft into the snow. Take two steps forward. When you’re in a balanced position—uphill leg bent in front of you, downhill leg straight—pull out the shaft and replant. To turn, plunge the spike into the snow and plant your feet in a level, duck-footed stance, facing up. Switch hands and swing the new uphill foot forward in the new direction before moving the axe up. Run into a short icy section? Use your ice axe, not your feet, to chop a few steps, says Councell.
Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter
Reader Rating:
Fall/Winter Gear Guide
261 reviews and camping tips
Boost Your Apps
Add powerful tools and exclusive maps to your BACKPACKER apps through our partnership with Trimble Outdoors.
Carry the Best Maps
With BACKPACKER PRO Maps, get life-list destinations and local trips on adventure-ready waterproof myTopo paper.
FREE Rocky Mountain Trip Planner
Sign up for a free Rocky Mountain National Park trip planning kit from our sister site MyRockyMountainPark.com.
Get 2 FREE Trial Issues and 3 FREE GIFTS
Survival Skills 101 • Eat BetterThe Best Trails in America
YES! Please send me my FREE trial issues of Backpacker
and my 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
Free trial offer valid for US subscribers only.
Canadian subscriptions |
International subscriptions
and my 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
READERS COMMENTS
Most important of all - if you think that you need this info, be sure to get out and PRACTICE in a save spot before it is a matter of your safety! Many local climbing clubs have basic ice and snow safety training. "Think ahead to keep your head."
Beware spring melt stream tunneling under snow pack. Can fall thru "snow bridge". If shallow your wet, if deep you've got trouble.
It would be sporting to mention the hazard of loosing control of the ice ax and have the pick flailing as wildly as tho one out of control. Not that I would know. TK
ADD A COMMENT