Snow Conditions

As intermediate riders progress into advanced levels and terrain, they will begin to encounter more varied snow conditions. As a result, experienced instructors should have an in-depth understanding of these snow conditions, their characteristics and how best to approach them.

Powder

Snow forms when water vapours rise into the atmosphere to form clouds. With enough moisture and the temperature at or below freezing they will begin to form ice crystals. As they accumulate and become heavier they will start to fall and combine to make flakes that land on the ground. When enough of this beautiful, white fluffy snow gathers over a short period of time there will be powder snow. The temperature at which the snow formed, fell through the air and accumulated at the ground, the humidity, wind direction and strength as well as the aspect of the terrain will all influence the snow’s quality.

Check avalanche and resort reports as they will have the information to accurately assess the snow conditions. Take the time to SCOPE terrain before riding. The amount of snow that has fallen and what is beneath the surface both need careful assessment as there are often hidden hazards. Be aware of wind loading and terrain traps.

People will usually be very excited about fresh snow and decision making is often clouded. Space students out to avoid collisions. Snow being sprayed, although fun, can create total blindness for brief periods of time. Consider riding a directional, powder board specifically designed for riding deep, soft snow. Identify flat spots as speed will need to be carried through these sections. Use other riders’ and skiers’ tracks to keep speed through flat run outs.

Crud

Crud is formed through the combination of snow, wind, sun, rain and tracks left in the snow. Crud will often offer up a true mixed bag of conditions, the top section on a slope might be icy and wind blown, followed by some punchy, crusted snow with powder underneath and finishing in some untracked, soft snow.

Due to this nature it pays to SCOPE out the terrain and consider what the snow conditions will be like. If the students are new to riding crud, check they have the relevant skills and understanding before committing to the run. Discuss how much edging and steering will be required to suit the pitch and type of crud that is about to be ridden. Point out line choices and where to turn. Spread students out so they avoid collisions in the unreliable snow.

Slush

When the air temperature warms beyond freezing point, the delicate snow crystals melt causing an increase in the water content of the snowpack, transforming the snow into larger grains of ice and slush is formed. Slush will change rapidly due to temperature fluctuations and often occurs in spring when the winter snowpack begins to melt. Warmer slush is deeper and often sticky, especially if it is new snow transitioning to slush. Cold slush is firmer and faster. Once the snow pack starts to melt and then refreeze it will often be icy in the morning and become slushier as the day warms.

Check local weather reports for freezing levels and identify which aspects will be slushy and when as a result of how the sun affects the mountain. Encourage students to look out for hazards like rocks and tussocks that will start to become more present as snow warms and melts. To combat the sticky nature of slushy snow prepare the board with a ‘warm temperature’ snow wax in spring.

Ice

Characterised as being firm, shiny, slick and loud when riding, icy snow can be encountered in every resort around the world. When snow begins melting and the snow structure breaks down, the water content in the snowpack increases. If this is followed by a period of freezing temperatures, the snowpack will become a more solid surface and form ice. It can be found following long periods without snow, heavy traffic on the snowpack as well as during the spring time following the often daily freeze/thaw cycles.

Some things to consider when riding and teaching students on icy terrain. Stopping points should be on areas that students can safely stop without sliding or being slid into. Understanding of the individual’s skill and confidence level must be carefully assessed. Students who were once comfortable on a nice groomed run with soft snow may become nervous once the snow hardens up. Fear can often arise due to the lack of control, noise and feeling as well as falls being more painful due to the hard nature.

Avoid icy terrain where possible, especially steeper aspects. Keeping speed down through appropriate terrain selection and use of smaller, closed turns is beneficial. Identify the patches of snow that have been scraped clean and avoid turning on these areas. Look to turn on areas where snow has been pushed into piles or spread across the ice to help gain edge grip. Leave riding shady aspects until later in the day if possible to give the snow time to potentially soften up. Make sure edges have been recently tuned to help grip better on the ice.

Due to ice being so dense the snowboard’s edge has difficulty connecting with the snow. Therefore, balancing on an edge and staying in control becomes increasingly difficult. Being able to ride it efficiently involves using progressive lateral movements through the lower body with more of a rotational and steering focus to control speed.