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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
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Tags:
- Skills |
- Survival |
- Winter camping |
Descend
On gentle slopes, head straight down instead of traversing diagonally, says Councell. On steep descents, switchback down, plunging your heels into the snow in a rhythm and keeping your knees slightly bent. Hold your axe in the uphill hand and plant the shaft for balance and self-belay.
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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
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