Mountain skills
Top advice from Trail’s experts
Raised footprints. These form in unconsolidated snow, which compacts under your boots when stepped on. When the loose snow around it is blown away, a trail of hardened footprints stands out. They’re pretty cool, but noticing which side has accumulated snow can also give you information about the prevailing wind, which in turn tells you where the avalanche risk is higher.
Sastrugi ripples are ridges and waves formed by the wind. These are steepest on the windward side, so you can guess where any moved snow might have accumulated. In arctic conditions, they can be so large it’s difficult to pull a sledge over them.
Animal prints. Winter is the best time of year for tracking animals. Look at the size, number of toes, presence or not of claws, and pattern of prints. Mountain hare are some of the most distinctive, appearing in sets of four, with two larger prints being at the front from the larger back paws.
Rime ice. Forming on the side of walls, posts, fences or any object in the hills, rime ice usually forms on the windward side so can give you good information about recent prevailing winds.
Cracks in snow or shooting cracks that zigzag out from under your feet are both indicators that the snow is prone to fracture.
Avalanche debris. If a slope has avalanched once, there’s a fair chance it’s likely to avalanche again. Look out for trails and debris at the base of the slope.
Accumulating snow. On which side of the mountain is the snow gathering? Look out for this as you approach or drive in, so you know where you’re most likely to find cornices or avalanche risk.
Wet icicles. These are a good indication that the temperature is above freezing, which can increase the risk of avalanche.