Secrets of the Snow by Edward R. LaChapelle

Visual Clues to Avalanche and Ski Conditions

The surface of fallen snow its contours and texture can tell the interested observer much about the forces that shaped it and about its stability and what it is likely to do.

Will it be good for sking or for packing as a snowball?

Will it slide? Is it dangerous?

Secrets of the Snow is an overview of the easily visible aspects of snow in the alpine mountain landscape.

It describes visible snow features and textures arising from climate, wind-drift, layering, solar radiation, and melting. and explains how snow may be “read” for information on avalanche formation and suitability for winter sports

Closely linked photographs and text illustrate the shapes forms, and textures found at the surface of winter snow. covers; describe their origins in wind and weather condi tions; and guide the reader in interpreting these features to predict snow behavior. Secrets of the Snow is essential for. winter sports enthusiasts, mountaineers, and avalanche-safety specialists.

Edward R. LaChapelle was a Professor Emeritus of Geophysics and Atmospheric Sciences at the Unwersity of Washington He is the author of Field Guide to Show Crystals and ABC of Avalanche Safety, co-author with Austin Post of Glacier Ice and author of the original USDA Snow. Avalanche Handbook He began his snow career at the Swiss Federal institute fold Snow and Avalanche Research, and as a U.S. Forest Service snow ranger he developed many of the techniques of avalanche forecasting and control in use today.

Published in collaboration of:

• UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON PRESS, Seattle, USA
• THE INTERNATIONAL GLACIOLOGICAL SOCIETY, Cambridge, England
• GREYSTONE BOOKS Vancouver/Toronto