Adventure Travel Links
Avalanche Safety
Skills and equipment for safe travel in avalanche areas
Equipment all group members must carry
Traveling in avalanche areas require special equipment. All group members need to be prepared for the worst and be able to act accordingly. The basic equipment the needs to be carried by everyone is; a transceiver, avalanche probe, shovel and first aid kit. Transceivers allow a buried victim to be found using a radio signal to pin point the locations. The transceiver will allow rescuers to get a close approximation of the buried victim but to get the exact location a steel probe is used. Shovels, of course, are used to dig out the victim once found. It is important to have the knowledge to use this equipment effectively since time is of the essence when rescuing buried victims.
How to recognize avalanche areas
Signs to look for when in avalanche terrain
- Cracks radiating out from you as you ski
- Can you hear settling sounds in the snow as you move over it? This indicated layers of snow settling.
- Abrupt temperature changes or heavy snow, wind, rain and high winds can all increase avalanche hazards.
How to travel safely in avalanche areas
Route selection is always a group decision. The more people in the group that input information about which route to take the better. This way the variables involved can be better evaluated and the group can select the best route based on facts not which run looks best to ski. All the conditions that determine avalanche safety need to be evaluated before an informed decision can be made.
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.
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.
What triggers an avalanche to start?
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.
What do you do if you are caught in an avalanche?
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 by a slide you need to try and release your skis, pack and poles. These will prevent you from staying on top of the flow and can result in serious injuries. To stay on top of the flow move your arms and legs like you would when treading water. This will keep you need the top of the slide. As you feel the slide start to slow down scramble to get to the surface and as it stops thrust an arm or leg towards the surface. Even the tip of your glove above the surface will greatly increase the chances of being rescued alive.
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!