Avalanche Safety

Safe route planning, essential safety gear and advice while traveling in the back country

When traveling in avalanche areas what safety gear should you bring?

Like any other sport there is special equipment you and all the members of your group need to carry when traveling in avalanche terrain. The first thing everyone needs is to have knowledge. All the special equipment you carry needs to be practiced with before getting into a situation where you need to use it efficiently. Time is of the essence when rescuing a buried victim. Safety equipment includes:

• Rescue Shovel
• Avalanche probe
• Rescue beacon
• First aid kit
• Radio or cell phone

How do you know you are in avalanche terrain?

There are many signs that might indicate you may be in danger. Ask yourself these questions.

• Has there been avalanches in the area?
• Precipitation: Is it snowing, raining? Has there been a heavy snow event in the last 36 hours?
• Has the wind been blowing and depositing snow?
• Are the temperatures rising or above zero?

Other Signs indicating avalanche danger

• Cracks radiating out from you as you ski
• Whumpf sounds are layers in the snow pack collapsing. This is an indication of high avalanche hazard.
• Any abrupt change in weather conditions can cause a shift in the stability of the snow pack and should be viewed as such.

Safe route planning

When planning a safe route through avalanche terrain it is important the all members of the group be involved with route planning. The more experienced members should relay what effects the current conditions and the group should decide together which route to take.

If you must cross a suspect slope cross one at a time. Each group member should watch the person crossing. Remove pole straps and unbuckle all pack straps. These will serve as anchors and pull you down into the snow.

The angle of the slope can be a good indicator of the stability. Slopes less then 25º are unlikely to slide and can be considered a safer choice then a slop over 30º.

Selecting a route up the windward side of a ridge will generally be safer since the snow is scoured off the slope and deposited onto the leeward side. There is also less risk from cornices that build over leeward slopes.

If you see recent avalanche activity on a slope with similar characteristics to the one you plan on skiing it is likely that avalanches are occurring. It is best to avoid this slope until it stabilizes.

Natural vs. human triggered

The vast majority of avalanches are natural triggered. Usually the result of overloading of new snow, wind deposited snow or debris falling. Unfortunately most avalanches that involve people are triggered by the victim.

When caught in a slide what do you do?

If you see an avalanche approaching from above try to ski out to the side of the slope and avoid the slide. Ski down and to one side as quickly as possible. Never try to out run a large avalanche.

When caught in a slide try to release your skis, poles and pack. These can prevent you from rising up in the slide. Skis can get caught up in trees and brush and break the victims’ legs. While the slide is moving tread like you are in water and as the snow slows down scramble to get to the surface with an arm or leg. This will help the rescuers immensely. If you are buried try too create an air space in front of your face to preserve oxygen.

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!