Lesson of
the Month: Part One of Avalanche 101
The study of avalanches and avalanche awareness is
a strict and complicated science. To help you begin
understanding, let's start with the basics. There are three
factors that come together to potentially create avalanches.
These three factors are known as the "Avalanche Triangle."
The "Avalanche Triangle" consists of Weather, Snow pack and Terrain. Again, these three factors can become extremely complex. Let's begin by learning about terrain and one of the most important aspects, slope angle.
Slope Angle
One of the most important aspects of Terrain is slope angle. A
slope needs to have a certain angle in order for snow to slide.
Through studies, avalanches most often occur on slopes of 30 -
45 degrees. The magic number where most avalanches have
occurred is 38 degrees exactly.
However, avalanches in certain conditions can happen on slopes as low as 25 degrees and up to extreme slopes of 50 degrees. Typically, anything above that the snow generally sluffs off automatically rarely sticking to steeper slopes.
Knowing slope angle is important because as a climber you have to constantly be asking the question, "Can this slope avalanche?" Combined with the "other" two factors; Weather and Snow pack (which will be discussed next month) if you are on a slope that is 30 - 45 degrees, you have to make solid decisions about where, how and if you should even continue traveling in a potentially dangerous area.
Up-Coming Adventures
Don't miss your chance to participate in an adventure of a
lifetime. These expeditions are gearing up and have a few spots
left on the team. If you have any questions, contact Mountain
Link to speak to one of our Professional Mountain Guides.
Alaska: April 29 Mount McKinley (20,320') Guides: Robert Link, JJ Justman, Garrett Madison; Only 1 Spot left on the team!
Bolivia: May 2 - 12 Huayna Potosi Seminar (19,975') Guides: John Lucia, Mike Horst
Ecuador: June 22 - July 3 Ecuador Mountaineering Seminar (Illiniza Sur - 17,267'; Illiniza Norte - 16,818'; Cotopaxi - 19,348') Guides: JJ Justman & Ecuadorian Legend Fernando Falconi
Russia: July 2 - 13 Mount Elbrus Expedition (18,510') Guides: TBD *Note: Early sign up is recommended in order to acquire Russian Visa
Africa: July 14 - 28 Mount Kilimanjaro w/Safari (19,340') Guide: Simon Mtuy
Russia: August 2 - 13 Mount Elbrus Expedition (18,510') Guides: TBD *Note: Early sign up is recommended in order to acquire Russian Visa
Tibet: August 22 - October 10 Cho Oyu Himalayan Expedition (26,906') Guides: Lhawang Dhondup, JJ Justman, Garrett Madison
Special Note: This last year, all three expeditions to Aconcagua made the summit. We are already forming teams for three more expeditions for 2005/2006. If you are interested in joining us for Aconcagua, give us a call soon. 800-408-8949
Monthly Trivia 
Question: According to National Geographic, How high does Mount Everest grow per year?
A. 1.2 Inches
B. 4 Millimeters
C. 1.6 Feet
The First Five people to email Mountain Link at info@mountain-link.com with
the correct answer will win a Mountain Link baseball cap.
Did you know:
Himalayas in Sanskrit means = "Abode of Snow"
2005 Mountain Link Slideshow Tour:
• Are you a member of a local Outdoor Club?
• Do you know of a venue for a "one of a kind"
slideshow featuring mountains around the world including
Everest, Kangchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, McKinley, Aconcagua and
more?
Mountain Link Senior Guides Robert Link and JJ Justman are
planning their slideshow tours for the upcoming 2005 fall
season. If you would like to help Mountain Link organize a
slideshow in your area, contact info@mountain-link.com.
