High avalanche danger invades Tahoe slopes

PHOTO: Tahoe’s shallow and cold snowfall leads to a perfect environment for avalanches.

By Lily Schroeder

BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–

Tahoe has seen a substantial increase in avalanches this winter season than previous years, experts believe this has to do with unusual snowfall.

Shallow and cold snowpacks can lead to weak layers of snow, perfect for creating avalanches. “The limited snowfall we had early (in the) season became a weak layer and then was a concern once additional snow fell on top of it,” said David Reichel, Executive Director of Sierra Avalanche Center (SAC).

72 avalanches have occurred so far this season, according to SAC, and the DHS ski team has felt the increase in danger especially following an in-bound avalanche that killed a skier.

To stay safe the ski team follows three foundational rules, according to ski coach Mike McMullen: never ski alone, keep your partner in visual and shouting range and never ski outside the ski area boundary or under a rope.

“The recent accident at Palisades makes for a tragic reminder to reinforce these rules,” McMullen said.

Although ski areas consistently work to maintain safe skiing conditions inside their resorts, avalanches can be unpredictable especially with abnormal snowfall.

“This season, especially early this season, we had a shallow and weak snowpack,” Reichel said.

The ski team has also been affected by this unusual snowfall outside of avalanche danger. The team has had two races and two practices canceled since the start of their season. McMullen has worked to reschedule the races around recent storms.