 Poster: A snowHead
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...and don't be like the gentleman below (demonstrating that even the most experienced winter outdoorsmen can become complacent). Mountain forecast for Gothenburg: a substantial fall of powder followed by rapidly falling temperatures has significantly increased the risk of skier- triggered slides. A persistent weak layer remains, especially on North facing slopes. Avalanche risk is generally moderate, but considerable above 5 cm and where wind has transported the recent snowfalls.
As you can see, the individual concerned was carrying no gear (surprisingly, not even an airbag) so was extremely fortunate to remain on the surface, buried only to his waist, in this relatively small slide. Closer examination will reveal a number of warning signs ignored by the victim. Although he has chosen a low angle slope, there is appreciable convexity below the slide and it is likely that it began on this steeper section, propagating back uphill. The sides of the slide show characteristics of a slab avalanche.
The slide was full depth, revealing the (strangely apricot-hued) weak layer, which had remained buried through the season until now.
The route of ascent is unknown (and indeed, may have involved the natural equivalent of heli-skiing) but had the skier been observant, he may have noticed the effects of wind on the southern approaches (as mentioned in the bulletin). A definite crust, though not full sastrugi.
Merry Christmas everyone  
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Merry Christmas, @mgrolf,
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Excellent
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Quality post
Merry Christmas @mgrolf and everyone
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@mgrolf, brilliant! Happy Christmas!
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Fantastic. Thanks.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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And skiing alone it would appear?
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@mgrolf, God Jul fra Norge!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I always thought having your avi-sack slung over your shoulder by one hand wasn't very effective/secure. No wonder he lost it.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Glad no-one was seriously injured.
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You know it makes sense.
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And not wearing a helmet 
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Classic! Happy Christmas everyone
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Poster: A snowHead
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@ster, yes, no partner searching for him as far I can tell.
@adithorp, he definitely didn't have the crotch strap fastened, that's for sure.
@Weathercam, he does have a fairly solid hat on though, perhaps it's one of those "stealth" helmets?
In case anyone is missing their presents, I'm afraid he's still stuck. The rescue team have to wait for the situation to stabilise before attempting to reach him, and as you can see, the slide is still progressing  .
@dbeatski, tack, detsamma, men...it says "Midlands, UK" next to your name?!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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 Great work @mgrolf. Happy Xmas!
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@mgrolf, fabulous!Sending you festive greetings!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I'm sorry to say that new information has emerged, that makes the situation worse than first thought. It wasn't easy to see (as perhaps is often the case) but it turns out the terrain was glaciated, with numerous weakly-bridged crevasses. In trying to extricate himself, Santa appears to have broken through a snow bridge...
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I'm surprised the "glacier" hasn't receded more than yhat in the past 2 weeks. Similar ones around here have disappeared completely
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@mgrolf, Thanks for the expert analysis. I don't suppose that do you do evening talks at the Gnarly ski resorts during the ski season, maybe Serre Chevalier etc?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@adithorp, climate change does funny things, and (very) local microclimates exist that buck the overall trend. 
@Toby Jug, i have been known to talk in the evenings in that neck of the woods. But I don't think the word "expert" can credibly be used in the same context.
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@mgrolf, brilliant! I'm desperate to know now if Santa will survive his ordeal, and how he will be rescued....
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Save Santa!! Will the reindeer fly in to take a slice of the action? Crumbs, this is on a knife edge…
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@CathyAuLait. @shep,
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@mgrolf, brilliant! I'm desperate to know now if Santa will survive his ordeal, and how he will be rescued....
Save Santa!! Will the reindeer fly in to take a slice of the action? Crumbs, this is on a knife edge… |
Looks like he's going to be OK after all....
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@geoffers, at last, someone who knows what they're doing!
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You know it makes sense.
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Very nearly a sticky end! Phew
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Brilliant thread!
A very happy 2023 to you @mgrolf.
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Poster: A snowHead
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FAQ
