2. FINE-PROGNOSIS
In order to get as accurate an idea as possible of the snow situation in an area, the weather and fresh snow forecasts from the rough assessment must be checked. During the detailed assessment, particular attention is paid to whether the forecasts of the weather services were accurate, how much fresh snow has fallen and is still falling and how the avalanche situation has developed.
AVALANCHE SITUATION REPORT
The avalanche situation report (LLB) is also taken into account during this research phase. In addition to information about the avalanche danger, the LLB provides very reliable information about the weather, i.e. snowfall, wind, temperature - as well as the snow quality. A distinction must be made here between the values from automatic weather stations (which are often located at very high altitudes) and the data collected by weather observers. The automatically collected data is constantly available and frequently updated, but is not checked for accuracy. For example, strong winds can distort the interesting snow data. The observer stations, on the other hand, are supervised by weather observers. Although the values are not updated as often, they are very reliable.
Weather stations:
Switzerland: slf.ch
Austria: lawine.at
Germany (Bavaria): lawinenwarndienst-bayern.de
France: Meteogroup
South Tyrol: Hydrografisches Amt Bozen
WEBCAMS AND SKI AREAS AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION
There are over 700 ski areas in the Alps. In addition to piste, snow and weather information, which - watch out! - often very optimistic, a large number of webcams, some even with panning and archive functions as well as other technical aids. With the help of the webcams, you can get a good overview of the sunshine or snowfall on site. Although many cameras only show "white soup" when it snows, some are installed on houses or panoramic terraces: On roofs, chairs, benches or walls, you can watch the snow cover grow.
Most ski resorts offer interactive panoramic maps on the web: These provide information about open lifts or closed slopes, opening times and much more. Alternatively, you can still use the good old telephone. The friendly information ladies are usually moderately enthusiastic about the constant early morning ringing, but are happy to provide information.
Information and links to almost all ski resorts in the Alps, including links to the ski resort webcams, can be found at bergfex.de and of course at PowderGuide.com: Weather Forecasts Resorts.
Worldwide: snow-forecast.com
YOUR OWN KNOWLEDGE
Once you know an area and its weather characteristics, this increases the likelihood of making the right decision. If the weather forecast is uncertain, it is advisable to choose conservatively and visit known areas, as exploring new areas in poor visibility is very risky. If you don't have any knowledge of the terrain, you can at least get a rough overview using Google Earth or digital maps. Particularly on unclear "poker days" with uncertain or contradictory forecasts, knowledge of the area can be enormously helpful in increasing the big day quota even further, provided you are spontaneous and flexible. Sometimes you will also find a local freerider with good knowledge of the area who is willing to provide information.
New: PowderGuide Conditionsreport. Information from experienced freeriders on local conditions - fast, competent and honest.
FINAL PREP
After the powder is before the powder! After a big day and arriving home with a big grin on your face, we recommend a critical review: comparing your own assumptions with the actual situation. Which information was correct? Which was wrong? Was the decision to choose this area in this situation the right one? How did the weather situation affect the actual weather and snow situation on site? Where was the precipitation center and where was there little wind? Were there any avalanche accidents?
The flood of available data can be narrowed down considerably for the next trip by organizing information in this way. This simplifies the next search and shortens the preparation time. An exchange with friends or in a web community is also useful here. What was it like elsewhere? All this information will help you prepare for your next trip.
Text: Marius Schwager
This crash course on internet powder research is part of the new edition of the PowderGuide.com, from which we will be presenting some of the innovations and highlights in the coming months.
.
