Surface Hoar

If this winter wasn't already hard enough in terms of good snow, the situation has been complicated even more by the presence of surface hoar. For those of you who don't know, surface hoar (SH) forms on the top of snow when its clear and humid out. Its alot like dew on the grass only in the winter it forms into feather like ice crystals.  When SH is covered by new snow it creates a very weak layer that can easily be triggered to cause serious avalanches. The symbol for SH is a bold V and it only means trouble. With all the High pressure and cold clear nights this winter there are many layers of SH to worry about. This only adds to the increased difficulty in finding good places to ski.

Arrggg!!