Spindrift (alpinism)
In alpinism, spindrift is fine-grained snow that is thrown up by wind or gravity on steep slopes. The term actually comes from seafaring and describes the fine spray that forms over the crests of the waves in strong winds . The spindrift in the mountains, a kind of avalanche on a small scale, prevents mountaineers from seeing for a few minutes and can make breathing difficult. The typically very dry snow can penetrate clothing through the smallest openings. In contrast to "real" avalanches, spindrifts are less dangerous and there are only a few mountain accidents for which they can be regarded as the cause.
On very steep slopes there is often a far lower risk of avalanches compared to less steep slopes . The reason for this is that freshly fallen snow periodically "discharges" in the form of spindrifts that come down the slope through gullies. The frequency of the occurrence of the spin drift is often directly related to the intensity of the snowfall. In this way, the time of the next occurrence of a spin drift can often be estimated very precisely.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Walter Lücker: The highest mountain. Dream and Adventure Everest. Piper Verlag, Munich 2013, ISBN 978-3-492-96205-6 , p. 515 ( Google Books )
- ↑ a b avalanche-center.org: Spindrift. Retrieved March 31, 2014