Facets, Science, Avalanche Problems & Public Communication: Mark Staples chats with Bruce and Caleb

<p>In this episode of The Avalanche Hour, Caleb Merrill makes another appearance to sit down with Mark Staples, director of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, and avalanche researcher/educator Bruce Jamieson. The group discuss heavyweight topics in the avalanche industry such as snow-surface energy exchange, near-surface faceting, and communicating avalanche hazard. </p><p><br></p><p>Staples recounts his path from powder skiing to avalanche work, his research on snow-surface energy balance, and his experience connecting with varied user groups. Jamieson describes collaborating with Staples on educational videos and credits Karl Birkeland’s 1998 papers for focusing attention on near-surface faceting. Staples also contrasts surface hoar (vapor deposition) with near-surface facets (metamorphism of existing snow grains), and they cover conditions that promote growth, including cooling to a clear sky and relative humidity. The conversation also explores simplifying avalanche problem types, terrain-based risk management, the public’s interest in science, and learning from accidents. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Thanks to the sponsors of the show!</strong></p><p>Legacy Sponsors:</p><p><a href="https://www.yellowstoneclubfoundation.org/darren-johnson-fund"><u>Darren Johnson Avalanche Education Memorial Fund</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.avss.co/"><u>AVSS</u></a></p><p><a href="https://droneamplified.com/"><u>Drone Amplified</u></a></p><p><br></p><p>Partner Sponsors:</p><p><a href="http://www.cilexplosives.com/products/avalanche"><u>CIL Avalanche</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.safeback.no/"><u>Safeback</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/app"><u>onX Backcountry</u></a></p><p><br></p><p>Episode Sponsor:</p><p><a href="https://us.arva-equipment.com/"><u>Arva</u></a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Music: <a href="https://ketsamusic.com/"><u>Ketsa</u></a></p><p>Artwork: <a href="https://www.miketea.com/"><u>Mike Tea </u></a></p><p>Production: Caleb Merrill, <a href="https://www.keatingwords.com/"><u>Bob Keating</u></a><br></p>