I would love to hear some thoughts on local ethics/general responsibility around releasing cornices onto the slope below to check the stability or to clear out unstable/bad snow. I'm thinking specifically of the cornices at the top of all the couloirs off of Stevens Peak. Here are some of my thoughts and questions:
- With regards to dropping the cornice with the intention of clearing out unstable storm snow, this seems like kind of a chimpy, short-sighted move; sure, it allows you to ride the slope 'safely' that day, but you're intentionally wiping out a bunch of good snow that would probably be stable in a few days. How much of an effect would a cornice fall actually have on the snow quality for future parties?
- Should we be dropping cornices with greater regularity to reduce the likelihood of one falling accidentally on a skier below?
- For the current situation at Stevens, there's a small storm slab over a rain crust covering some softer snow; could a falling cornice actually improve the snow quality by breaking up the crust and revealing the softer snow beneath?
- Does an area like Stevens get enough traffic that it would be unwise to drop a cornice even if you have checked pretty thoroughly that nobody is below?
- What methods have people found most effective for cutting the cornice? Knotted cord, snow saw on a pole, specifically designed products (http://backcountrybomb.com/), jumping on it (scary!), etc.
- Being on belay seems pretty important, and not having a cutting cord wrapped around/looped behind any body part. Any other crucial safety concerns?