What is a basic sign indicating potential avalanche risk in a mountain SAR area?

What is a basic sign indicating potential avalanche risk in a mountain SAR area?

• A. Absence of snow
• B. Fresh snowfall
• C. Stable, firm snowpack
• D. No wind

Answer: (B)

Fresh snowfall signals increased avalanche risk because it adds weight to the snowpack and can create weak layers where the new snow doesn’t bond well with the old. This layering makes the snowpack more prone to failure under a trigger, especially on steeper slopes or where wind has redistributed snow into slabs. In mountain SAR areas, this sign matters most when storms leave substantial new snow that hasn’t yet bonded, meaning even a small disturbance can start a slide that may propagate. Absence of snow suggests low risk from new loading, a stable, firm snowpack indicates strong bonding and low likelihood of a slide, and wind alone isn’t a universal indicator since wind can build dangerous slabs even if winds are currently calm.

Fresh snowfall signals increased avalanche risk because it adds weight to the snowpack and can create weak layers where the new snow doesn’t bond well with the old. This layering makes the snowpack more prone to failure under a trigger, especially on steeper slopes or where wind has redistributed snow into slabs. In mountain SAR areas, this sign matters most when storms leave substantial new snow that hasn’t yet bonded, meaning even a small disturbance can start a slide that may propagate. Absence of snow suggests low risk from new loading, a stable, firm snowpack indicates strong bonding and low likelihood of a slide, and wind alone isn’t a universal indicator since wind can build dangerous slabs even if winds are currently calm.