Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing recently distilled 43 years of experience in avalanche forecasting into a 50 page booklet called The Powder Fascination. The booklet is available online or in hard copy from the Blue River-based company.
The backbone to the safety program outlined in the booklet is a regimented daily program called the 5 Step Checklist for Avalanche Forecasting.
“We all know that nature is full of secrets and risks, “said Mike Wiegele. “We are close on its tail though to make sure we avoid surprises in the mountains. Our top focus is providing a fun and safe ski experience for our guests and to educate them on our safety programs.”
“Comparing results with other safety measurement procedures currently practiced, we have concluded that the 5 Step Checklist provides us with the best insight into backcountry snowpack. The resulting stability rating enables a high level of confidence that the consequent terrain selection and the applied guiding procedures will provide a safe outcome while offering all of the joy and excitement that the sport of skiing has to offer.”
The 5 Steps are:
1. Daily Weather Data – Collect weather data to see what has changed since the day before.
2. Graphs - Graph the weather data. Tidal Chart includes factors of humidity, temperature, load, stability, rating, and avalanche activity.
3. Snowpack Profile – Perform three to five tests of each gliding layer and assess each layer with the one to seven Rating System. Do this at all elevations and exposures.
4. Field Observations – A thorough field observation notes any avalanche activity and their cause.
5. Stability Rating – Ski tests are conducted on slopes to confirm the snow stability rating. These must be carried out throughout the day.
According to MWHS, the information and procedures laid out in this program can help shape a better international avalanche standard of safety and practices throughout the ski industry and the world. It has been presented at top international conferences including the 2012 International Snow Science Workshop(ISSW) in Anchorage Alaska and the International Congress for Alpine Rescue, among others.
The booklet has a disclaimer at the end saying it is for experts only – indicating that reading The Powder Fascination is not a substitute for avalanche training and experience.