Could digging a snowpit be a thing of the past?
Although nothing substitutes realtime, hands on evaluation of the snow while traveling in avalanche terrain, reading the snow is about to become that much easier as the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center is installing snow sensors on a popular backcountry zone off Turnagain Pass in south-central Alaska later this fall.
The sensors, which will measure depth and temperature within the snowpack will be one of the most useful tools when forecasting avalanche conditions reports the Alaska Dispatch News.
The sensors will be located on Tincan Pass at an elevation of 2,400′.
While the sensors only give a glimpse into avalanche conditions on the pass, they will be able to give skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers (I know they call ’em snow machines in AK) an accurate reading of snowfall amounts as well as temperature swings within the snowpack. The latter information will be vital in forecasting spring conditions in the area.
You will be able to find the readings this winter here: Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center
Read the Entire Alaska Dispatch Article Here:Â Snow sensors at Turnagain Pass will help predict avalanche conditions