Schneeprofil

"Under the magnifying glass" is a series of articles by Lydia and Linus. We are both at the SLF in Davos this winter, where we are studying snow from a scientific perspective. As we regularly take a close look at the snow in the area anyway - both during our field work and at our weekends - we'll be taking you with us from time to time this winter. We explain our snow profiles, what the individual observations actually mean and pick up on various snow science topics that arise from the current profiles. Today: How the weather conditions at the start of the season can help shape the rest of the winter season - and how the weather in recent weeks has changed the snowpack.

PowderGuide has been reporting on a "Gear of the Week" almost every week for over 10 years now. From ski suits to skin wax, ski boots, sunglasses and safety halves, almost everything has been included, but one thing has probably been forgotten and that is not at all unimportant for us freeriders. That's why this week is all about our favorite element: snow!

January is over, but the winter is still not very wintery. A few short episodes of fresh snow made for spectacular images - especially at the Freeride World Tour in Val Thorens, which will be remembered for its impressive lines and deep powder. Nevertheless, the snow conditions are below average in many places. There is hope for a sustainable return of winter, but the weather situation remains complicated.

In the search for weak layers within the snowpack, Salzburg-based GEORESEARCH GmbH and Tyrolean company Lo.La Peak Solutions GmbH are testing a new method for recording snowpack stratigraphy as part of the STRATIFY research project. In contrast to conventional snow profiles, the data is recorded from the air, more precisely by drone and GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar).

More and more adventurers are fascinated by the idea of exploring unspoilt nature away from the crowded pistes. However, the pursuit of freedom and adventure on the mountain requires an intensive examination of avalanche risks. Following a comprehensive revision in 2023, the Safety Academy Lab Snow from Ortovox offers a valuable and free resource to raise awareness of risk management.

The Safety Academy Lab Snow has been revamped by our partner Ortovox and offers multimedia, high-quality avalanche instruction for all skill levels. We spent a weekend gaining an insight into the digital realisation of avalanche training and learning about the latest findings in person from mountain guide and co-developer of the Lab Snow, Chris Semmel.

Due to the turbulent weather, the thin snow cover and fluctuating temperatures, we are moving from one avalanche problem to the next. Starting with an early winter old snow problem, we have recently been dealing with wild snow as a weak layer through to a very disruptive drift snow problem.

If you're looking for another challenge at the end of the season but can't find enough challenging snow, you'll love this game! The aim is to assign snow profiles to the location. Of course there is also something to win! The whole thing will be solved at the final PG meeting.

The SLF observers monitor and assess the current situation in their area and transmit the observations to the SLF (WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF). The data collected forms part of the basis for the daily avalanche bulletin. I was allowed to accompany Reto, one of the observers, for a day and look over his shoulder.

An avalanche-rich time lies behind us. The old snow problem, which was responsible for many of the avalanches in recent weeks, unfortunately remains with us.

There are repeated reports of an old snow problem, but exactly what this means can be confusing. First of all, you should know that an avalanche problem (old, new, drifting, wet and sliding snow problem) is not a hazard pattern, but can consist of different hazard patterns. An avalanche problem describes the type of avalanche and its mechanisms, whereas a hazard pattern describes the responsible weak layers and their processes.

Surface frost is certainly one of the most impressive crystal forms that we can admire: Beautiful to look at, especially when it glitters and sparkles in the sunlight. However, if it is covered by snow, it turns into a highly dangerous and treacherous weak layer. As is so often the case, beauty is so close to danger.