Avalanche SafetyConcise information about what you need to travel safely in the mountains including equipment and route planningEquipment all group members must carryAny group of people traveling in avalanche areas must carry a shovel, transceiver and avalanche probe. Remember, training is required and practice to effectively use this equipment especially while under duress. Depending on the group size there should be one or two people carry a first aid kit. Bringing a ski repair kit, can save you from having to walk out. Bring some extra clothes and an emergency blanket in case you need to spend the night. How do you know you are in avalanche terrain?Many of the signs that you are in an area where avalanches are possible are easy to spot while others take a more experienced eye. Many of the methods for recognizing potential avalanches are:
Other Signs indicating avalanche danger
Safe route planningThe more people involved in route selection the better. Everyone in the group should discuss the pros and cons of each route and choose a route together. You must weigh all the conditions mentioned already ad determine which factor are affecting each route. Avoiding terrain traps such as creeks and gully's is important since avalanches typically follow these features and deposit deep snow into them. Sometimes a group will have to ski across a slope that is suspect. Only one member of the group should cross at a time. This will minimize the risk to the group plus it will allow more group members to be involved in a rescue if a slide should occur. Have a designated safe stop area where group members can ski to after crossing the slope. Angle of the slope should also be considered shallower slopes are generally safer, below 24º a slope rarely slides. Avalanches are more likely on slopes over 32º or 33º. If possible choose a route on the windward side of the ridge since there will be far less wind deposited snow. You also avoid overhanging cornices that build over leeward slopes. A sure sign of avalanche activity is slides that have occurred. If slopes similar to the one you plan on skiing have slid then it is likely the one you are looking at can slide as well. How are avalanches triggered?In nature almost all avalanches are triggered by natural forces. Snow loading, winds, warming and debris falling are common triggers of natural avalanches. Unfortunately most avalanche victims are buried by avalanches that were human triggered. Either someone in the immediate group or a group nearby released the slide. When caught in a slide what do you do?When an avalanche approaches from above try to avoid it by skiing down and to the side; trying to get out of its path. Large avalanches can travel at hundreds of kilometers per hour so do not try to out run it. It is always best to get out of its way. If the unthinkable happens and you are caught in a slide try to remove you pack and skis and get rid of your poles. All these can serve as anchors and actually hinder your chance of survival. Move your arms and legs as you would treading water. This will work the same way in snow and actually keep you near the top of the flow. As you feel the snow start to slow down start to struggle for the surface. Make one last push to get any part of your body above the surface of the snow as you feel the snow stop. Even a glove above the surface of the snow will dramatically speed up rescue. There are many factors that can determine if a route is safe to travel. The variables listed above should be considered every time you or your group has to travel through avalanche terrain. Remember to always have the required safety equipment and the knowledge to use it effectively. Enjoy the backcountry! |