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

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. 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. Thanks to the sponsors of the show! Legacy Sponsors: Darren Johnson Avalanche Education Memorial Fund AVSS Drone Amplified Partner Sponsors: CIL Avalanche Safeback onX Backcountry Episode Sponsor: Arva Music: Ketsa Artwork: Mike Tea Production: Caleb Merrill, Bob Keating

You can listen to Facets, Science, Avalanche Problems & Public Communication: Mark Staples chats with Bruce and Caleb online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Facets, Science, Avalanche Problems & Public Communication: Mark Staples chats with Bruce and Caleb is an episode from The Avalanche Hour Podcast by The Avalanche Hour.

This episode is 00:58:25 long.

This episode was published on Apr 8, 2026.

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