Snow Sciences: The physics avalanches

General information

Field laboratory require walking in a cold environment; solid intermediate skiing or snowboarding ability are required to access observation sites. Extra clothing, both light and heavier gloves, mitts, warm boots, headgear, daypack, goggle, and sunglasses for prolonged outdoor sessions in the snow, rain, and cold weather are required.

All students must own a modern avalanche transceiver (457 kHz), snow shovel, collapsible avalanche probe and waterproof day pack. Portable metal snow shovels with a smooth, non-curved back are required. I will provide snow science observation kits annd loaner snow saws.

A headlamp is necessary and used daily in order for keeping your hands free while making observations during dark hours, in addition to being carried in your pack as safety equipment. Lighter gloves worn under your main gloves or mitts for handling instruments and making observations are required.

All students must purchase the AIARE field notebook and the The Avalanche Handbook, 3rd addition (McClung and Schaerer, 2006). These are available from the CWU bookstore.

Logisitics and equipment

We meet at the Alpental Lodge (bootup room), Snoqualmie Pass at 11:45am. My cell phone number is 509.899-1911 or John Stimberis at WSDOT is 425.434-6224.

Bring skis or snowboard, extra clothing, shovels, and transciever. You can check out snow science kits probes. Bring a hand lense, AIARE ield notebook, pencils, and eraser. We will start our snow observations at the top of Chair 2, Alpental. Later in the quarter, we might make snow observations at at Blewett Pass, Reecer Creek, or at Stevens Pass.

Laboratory Equipment

• AIARE notebook [available in bookstore]
• Avalanche transceivers
• Collapsible avalanche probe
• Snow shovel
• Mechanical pencils or regular pencils with 2H and 4H lead and erasers
• Hand lense
• Pocket calculator for the classroom and compass
• Day pack