Avalanche Safety

Skills and equipment for safe travel in avalanche areas

To travel safely in avalanche areas there is special equipment the needs to be used. This equipment will help you evaluate safe routes and perform rescues if a slide should occur. All members of your group need to carry the following.

Recognizing signs of avalanches.

Signs to look for when in avalanche terrain

• Are large cracks forming out from where you are while skiing or snowboarding?
• Can you hear a Whumpf sound in the snow as you ski over it?
• Any abrupt change in weather conditions can cause a shift in the stability of the snow pack and should be viewed as such.

How do I plan a safe route through avalanche areas?

The 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.

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.

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.

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.

Look for recent avalanche activity on slopes with similar characteristics. If these slopes have recently slid it is likely that other similar slopes can also release.

Natural vs. human 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?

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!