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The definitive book of snow and avalanche science - now also in EnglishIn the hugely successful innovative manual "lawine" published eight years ago, internationally recognized 'avalanche warner' authors Rudi Mair and Patrick Nairz succeeded in writing the definitive work of avalanche science. Partially responsible its success was their innovative concept of Danger Patterns, which led the European Avalanche Warning Services to introduce cross-border depictions of five Avalanche Problems in 2014. These problems, which occur repeatedly in every mountain region throughout the course of winter, are also depicted in this definitive work: 1. Fresh Snow, 2. Snowdrifts, 3. Old Snow, 4. Wet Snow and 5. Gliding Snow. These fundamental problems are then explored more deeply in the ten decisive Danger Patterns.What are the typical meteorological conditions in early winter, deep winter, late winter and springtime? What effects do they have on the snow cover? And above all: what threats do they create? Short, concise blocks of information, highly expressive photos of the complexities of the landscape optimize comprehensive expertise of this science. Through the analysis of typical accidents (which have actually occurred) these recurring danger patterns are illustrated with a clarity that makes them recognizable on-site.Adopting this approach, the book pursues a classic strategic path of risk management, e.g. '3x3' or 'stop or go' thereby melding to a graspable, all-encompassing whole. A book born of practice in outlying terrain, a practical manual for outdoor experiences. It was awarded the Platinum Book Prize by the Austrian Book Association and named the standard work of snow and avalanche science. And now, finally, it is available in English.
About the author
Dr. Rudi Mair, born in 1961 in Innsbruck, studied meteorology and glaciology in Innsbruck. After graduation, he worked for two years at the Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar Research, spending most of the time at a research base in the Antarctic. Since 1999 Director of the Avalanche Warning Service of Tirol, since 2000 a court appointed and certified expert for meteorology, avalanche science, avalanche accidents and avalanche protection. Since 2011 university instructor of snow and avalanche science.DI Patrick Nairz (right), born in 1970 in Innsbruck, studied flood and avalanche protection measures in Vienna and Vancouver. In 1995 he completed his education as a nationally certified ski tour instructor, in 1998 qualified as a mountain rescue member. Since 1999 Deputy Director of the Avalanche Warning Service of Tirol, from 2009 to 2013 he directed a working group of the European Avalanche Warning Service.JEFFREY MCCABE, took his BA at Colby College, has lived in the Alps for most of his life, translates the daily Avalanche Forecasts for numerous governments, as well as many books and other studies.
Summary
The definitive book of snow and avalanche science – now also in English
In the hugely successful innovative manual “lawine” published eight years ago, internationally recognized ‘avalanche warner’ authors Rudi Mair and Patrick Nairz succeeded in writing the definitive work of avalanche science. Partially responsible its success was their innovative concept of Danger Patterns, which led the European Avalanche Warning Services to introduce cross-border depictions of five Avalanche Problems in 2014. These problems, which occur repeatedly in every mountain region throughout the course of winter, are also depicted in this definitive work: 1. Fresh Snow, 2. Snowdrifts, 3. Old Snow, 4. Wet Snow and 5. Gliding Snow. These fundamental problems are then explored more deeply in the ten decisive Danger Patterns.
What are the typical meteorological conditions in early winter, deep winter, late winter and springtime? What effects do they have on the snow cover? And above all: what threats do they create? Short, concise blocks of information, highly expressive photos of the complexities of the landscape optimize comprehensive expertise of this science. Through the analysis of typical accidents (which have actually occurred) these recurring danger patterns are illustrated with a clarity that makes them recognizable on-site.
Adopting this approach, the book pursues a classic strategic path of risk management, e.g. ‘3x3’ or ‘stop or go’ thereby melding to a graspable, all-encompassing whole. A book born of practice in outlying terrain, a practical manual for outdoor experiences. It was awarded the Platinum Book Prize by the Austrian Book Association and named the standard work of snow and avalanche science. And now, finally, it is available in English.
