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Reading avalanches
SKJOLD: Surrounding the garnison at Skjold in Northern Norway, the mountain peaks stand tall, posing meter thick layers of white avalanche forces. In other words, the participants on the avalanche course have plenty of material to analyse.
By Robin Røkke Johansen (text) and Torgeir Haugaard (photo), Norwegian Defence Media Centre
| | SNOW PROFILE: To observe the snow, you have to dig a wall in the mountain slope. The ideal slope is 30 degrees. Photo: Robin Røkke Johansen. |
With maps on the wall, nearly twenty men are educated in different snow profiles. They are analysing the day's discoveries, in English of course. Three of the participants are international.
A Norwegian officer finds it difficult to describe the consistency of the snow in English.
- And it was very, eh… Kreim? Kram?
The group laughs. Course officer Jon Vestly suggests that the correct word is moist. Major Vestly is along with three other officers responsible for educating mountain officers in predicting the dangers of an avalanche.
Snow profiles
- How do you to find out whether the situation is dangerous?
- We dig down in the snow, in order to make a snow profile, he says.
| | CRYSTAL CLEAR: In order to interpret the dangers of an avalanche, one must study, and perhaps even taste the snowflakes. Over Sergeant Kay Lamprecht from Germany (right) tries to determine the consistency and size of the snow flakes. Photo: Robin Røkke Johansen. |
A profile classifies the snowtypes and the thickness of the layers of the snow.
- To find the layers we have to feel with our fingers down the snow walls which we have dug. Important factors are the size and the hardness of the snow flakes, explains Vestly.
The type of snow can actually determine whether an avalanche is on its way. The ground creates damp, which may interact with the coldness of the snow. This turns the damp to water and eventually ice, creating crystal cups. They can easily collapse, thus resulting in the snow losing its base. This may lead to dangerous avalanches.
Course instructor, Major Knut Are Bakke explains that snow layers containing hail can also be dangerous.
- The hails can create small ball bearings underneath the snow, he explains.
| | DOLLS IN THE SNOW: Explosive experts generated an avalanche. Exhibition dolls were filled with sand to simulate real persons, and received tough treatment. The snow masses drove them down the mountain side. |
Avalanche Course 2005 (7. - 14. April)
- Aims to educate officers to be able to interpret avalanches. The target group is officers with winter experience. They also have to be good skiers.
- The course combines theory, with outdoor activities, on skis, scooters and even in helicopters.
- The course educates officers to take part in avalanche groups. In addition they are qualified to conduct courses at numerous educational facilities.
Observing from the sky
The participants have also observed the region from helicopters. Major Bakke says that using helicopters has been very helpful.
- They enable us to see whether there has been any new avalanches in the night. As a group we later on discuss the chance for new avalanches. If none have occured, perhaps someone must go there in order for an avalanche to be
released.
| | COURSE OFFICER: Major Tom Vestli wants at least one participant from each batallion in the Norwegian Defence. The course targets officers with interest in, and experience from winter training. |
They are already exploring the possibility of expanding the course next year.
- If there is sufficient interest, we will arrange a separate course for foreign participants, Bakke says.
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