Page 4 - SVHS Ops Plan 2017_18

Snowpack data is recorded in guide notebooks and reviewed at daily am and pm guide meetings.
The gathering of snowpack information is a continuous process in determining slope instabilities. SVHS guides perform snowpack tests during snow pit analysis. The standard test is the Extended Column Test and other tests used include the Compression Tap Test and the Rutschblock Test. Stability is classified as very poor, poor, fair, good, or very good. Terrain choices can be selected and/or re-evaluated based on stability information. Information regarding negative avalanche mitigation results and/or no observed natural activity is also valuable. In lieu of explosives SVHS guides in the field rely on ski cuts, cornice cuts, and observed signs of instability, such as whomping and cracking to further analyze the possibility of avalanche occurrence.
Additional sources of data are also obtained from the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center (SNFAC) “Professional Observation Form” database. This is a clearing house of observations made by local guide services, forecasters, and ski patrollers and greatly enhances stability information and sharing.
Recording Weather, Avalanche, and Snow Stability Information
The overnight, current, and forecast weather and snow stability and hazard assessment is recorded each operational day by the designated lead guide on the AM and PM Guide Meeting, and AM and PM Snow Stability Assessment Forms.
To record field observations including weather, stability, and avalanche observations each guide will carry a guide’s notebook. Guides will also record pertinent information from the Guides Meetings such as the weather forecast, stability and hazard assessment, and operational plan and back-up plan for the day.
Recording of all meteorological, snowpack, stability, and avalanche information is done according to standards described in “Snow, Weather, and Avalanches: Observational Guidelines for Avalanche Programs in the United States” (SWAG). AM and PM Guide Meeting and Snow Stability Assessment Forms, along with photocopied pages from guide notebooks are archived in binders to provide a chronological record for the current and past operating seasons. The PM Snow Stability Assessment is recorded on the aforementioned SNFAC “Professional Observation Form” via a web- based data base.
Avalanche Mitigation with Explosives
Explosives will not be used by SVHS for snow stability testing or mitigation. However, explosives may be needed in emergency situations and their use can be approved by the Forest Service.
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P.O Box 978 Sun Valley, ID 83353
Phone: 208.622.3108 E: info@sunvalleyheliski.com W: sunvalleyheliski.com