Spring Storm

2011-03-31 20:31:30.000 – Mike Finnegan,  IT Observer

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I do enjoy late season snow storms, especially when I am on the mountain because that might mean snow stability will settle down to a safer level by the time I am back on my offweek, allowing me to get out and enjoy it all. All the same, I am certainly looking forward to the warmer weather. Although it is great when the ice is nice and plastic, the hazards of falling ice and bursting ice dams (water trapped behind ice that is suddenly released) do tend to scare me a bit. Rock season is just around the corner, but first we have a bit of a snow storm to contend with. We had a few hours of snow just before dinner measuring just a tenth of an inch of snow. We cleared from the fog just a few minutes ago, but this will be short lived as the front nears. We will be back in the fog with snow before we know it and with any luck, it will be coming down heavy at times. If you’re heading out to the mountains this coming weekend, keep an eye on the avalanche forecast and be aware that if winds pick up, visibilities can be greatly reduced due to blowing snow and fog. This can not only be disorienting, but can prevent one from seeing other hazards, such as falling ice from above. Have fun and enjoy that snow, but be safe out there!

Mike Finnegan,  IT Observer