The surface of fallen snow--its contours and texture--can tell the interested observer much about the forces that shaped it and about its stability and what it is likely to do. Will it be good for skiing or for packing as a snowball? Will it slide? Is it dangerous?

Secrets of the Snow is an overview of the easily visible aspects of snow in the alpine mountain landscape, serving as a companion volume to the author's Field Guide to Snow Crystals, which examines snow at the microscopic level. Describing visual snow features and textures arising from climate, wind-drift, layering, solar radiation, and melting, Secrets of the Snow explains how snow may be "read" for information on avalanche formation and suitability for winter sports.

Closely linked photographs and text illustrate the shapes, forms, and textures found at the surface of winter snow covers; describe their origins in wind and weather conditions; and guide the reader in interpreting these features to predict snow behavior. Secrets of the Snow is essential for winter sports enthusiasts, mountaineers, and avalanche-safety specialists.

Reader Reviews

Aadesh

(4/5)

Apr 18, 2019

I couldn't fully understand the concepts presented in the book. It was hard to read as the pictures and its description were in different pages. But it did gave me new insights about snow condition and when to and not to go out for adventure in mountains.

Kimberlybrennantyler

(5/5)

Apr 16, 2009

Perhaps more important clues to avalanche danger then detailed snow pack information is the information you can glean as soon as you step out of your car and onto the snow. This book is a great compliment to basic avalanche training and is not only a must read for back country users but a must read again and again. One more reason why Ed Lachapelle was "the man."

Craig Bergstrom

Oct 18, 2016

Sarah Streich

Feb 04, 2021

Trey Howard

Mar 03, 2013

Drew

Jan 18, 2021

Hope VanDerMeulen

Nov 02, 2019

Blake Hinchey

Mar 06, 2017

Kyle Gray

(0/5)

May 20, 2010

Pat Kailey

Apr 27, 2013

Shelley

Apr 11, 2015

Chugiak High

Oct 28, 2015

Marc Christensen

Aug 04, 2016

BookDB

Aug 24, 2016

Alex

Aug 22, 2018

Angelos

Jan 26, 2019

Planetary JIRPer

Sep 02, 2019

Derek Sweeney

Aug 18, 2020

Sarah

Nov 11, 2020

Julie Herringa Cirone

Nov 02, 2021

Marija

Mar 30, 2022

Aubergine

May 25, 2022

Subscribe to Read | $0.00

Popular Genres

Subscribe to Read | $0.00

Secrets of the Snow: Visual Clues to Avalanche and Ski Conditions

Secrets of the Snow: Visual Clues to Avalanche and Ski Conditions

Secrets of the Snow: Visual Clues to Avalanche and Ski Conditions

More books from Edward R. LaChapelle

Field Guide to Snow Crystals

Edward R. LaChapelle

Secrets of the Snow: Visual Clues to Avalanche and Ski Conditions

Edward R. LaChapelle

Glacier Ice

Austin Post

Reforestation in the Austrian Alps

Edward R. LaChapelle

A Method of Measuring Mean Temperatures in the Field

Edward R. LaChapelle

Three Instruments Used in Avalanche Hazard Forecasting: 1. Snow Settlement, Temperature; 2. Snow Collector for Recording Rain Gauge; 3. Temperature Telemeter

Edward R. LaChapelle

ABC of Avalanche Safety

Edward R. LaChapelle

Encounter Probabilities for Avalanche Damage

Edward R. LaChapelle

Reader Reviews