eva_magazin_2018_19_rz_WEB_ENG

THE POWER OF SNOW.
It is not only possible to only see the positive sides,
even if they predominate. In places like Saalbach,
nature has a decisive influence on life. Enormous
and fortunately intact, it has an influence on all of us.
Thanks to the panoramic weather during the winter
months, Saalbach is blessed with lots of snow. A
snow hole, you can hear beyond the borders of the
valley. The snow is up to 3 m deep on the mountains
in February and if these masses start to move uncontrollably,
it has undesirable consequences.
Usually it is the reckless sportsmen who overlook the
warning signs of the crystals in their search for the
best deep snow. Snow crystals, of course. Because
there are numerous methods to check the snow
cover. It consists of different layers of snow, formed
and shaped by the weather. The “floating snow”
reveals itself to be particularly treacherous.
Beaker crystals are formed and behave like a ball bearing
under a heavy layer of snow. Be aware of snow
slabs!
UNSERE WINTER HARD FACTS:
In order to reveal the layers, a shaft is dug in the
snow cover with a shovel. This procedure is called
snow profile. Ideally not under the direct influence
of the sun. Otherwise this could deform the crystals
during the inspection.
Even during the digging you can already recognise
the different layers. When you wipe over the layers
without gloves, you can easily recognise the difference
of the soft and hard snow layers. The hardness
test of the snow cover follows. In the order "fist", "4
fingers", "1 finger", "pencil" and "knife" you have to
try to penetrate the snow layers and thus receive information
about the hardness of the snow cover.
FOR YOUR GUIDANCE:
ICE WOULD BE THE HARDEST FORM OF SNOW. IT
BECOMES DIFFICULT WITH THE KNIFE AS WELL.
STAY SAFE.
Before you start a ski tour or a demanding
powder run, it is essential to check
the avalanche transceiver at the designated
points and information boards at
various mountain stations on the mountain
railways. And don’t forget the "buddy
system"! Never go out on your own
into the mountains!
Have fun!
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