March 15, 2009 Crystal

By the end of the day Paula and I felt like we had gone through the spin cycle, as they say in surfing.

The combination of the hard base layer + (variously) fluffy powder, dense Cascade powder, and sticky Cascade Crud made for some *very* tricky skiing. I haven't augered in so many times in such a short timespan in a looong time.

We were among the first to make a track toward Bear Pits from Forest Queen, and Paula was amazed to see the cracks and small slabs propagate around me on the traverse...nice relatively safe example of how a wind loaded slope behaves.

I was wondering whether there is a metric for when branches and debris start detaching from trees. We clearly hit that wind-speed mid-day up there.

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I was wondering whether there is a metric for when branches and debris start detaching from trees.  We clearly hit that wind-speed mid-day up there.

You might be familiar with it, but here's an interesting article and chart on the Beaufort Scale of Wind Force

Yes, I'm familiar with the Beaufort Scale. I'm proposing that **someone** come up with land-based references.

Yes, I'm familiar with the Beaufort Scale. I'm proposing that **someone** come up with land-based references.

I'm confused. The Beaufort has both a water and land reference. Specifically, #9 47-54 mph Strong Gale Larger branches break off trees, and some small trees blow over. Construction/temporary signs and barricades blow over. Damage to circus tents and canopies.

Sorry, Keith. I wasn't clear that I was thinking about this in a more humorous way. Like:

-Small children blown out of lift line
-Loaded quad chairs tip to 30 degree angle
-Snowboarders become kite sailors

Like that...sorry for any confusion.