Avalanche Safety
Avalanches are a serious threat to outdoor enthusiasts who venture into snowy mountain terrain. While they can be exciting and beautiful, avalanches can also be deadly.
How to manage the risks while traveling in avalanche terrain:
Get educated: before you head out into the backcountry, educate yourself about avalanches and the risks involved. Take an avalanche safety course, and make sure you understand the basics of snow science and avalanche formation.
Check the forecast: just prior to heading out, check the local avalanche forecast to get an idea of the current conditions and the likelihood of an avalanche.
Travel with the right equipment: make sure you have the right equipment, including an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, and know how to use them.
Stay on low-risk slopes: avoid skiing or snowboarding on steep slopes, especially if the conditions are unstable. Stick to low-risk slopes, and avoid slopes that are likely to slide.
Use proper techniques: to minimize the risk of an avalanche, avoid steep slopes, stay away from cornices, stay in excellent communication and ski or snowboard one at a time.
Be aware of your surroundings: and the signs of an impending avalanche, such as crackling snow or recent avalanche activity. Pay attention to aspects, sunny slopes, wind loading, cornices and use your intuition. Much of this information can only be learned by spending time in the backcountry with folks who have put some time in.
Have an escape plan: if you're in an area that is prone to avalanches, make sure you have an escape plan in case one occurs. This may include finding a safe area to hide or skiing or snowboarding out of harm's way.
Know what to do in case of an avalanche: if you're caught in an avalanche, try to swim to the surface and grab onto any solid objects, such as trees or rocks. If you're buried, use your avalanche transceiver to signal for help, and try to create an air pocket around your mouth and nose. If you have an airbag have the ignition pull easily accessible and pull it the moment you lose control of the situation or are knocked from your feet.
Avalanches are a serious threat in the backcountry, but by following these tips, you can mitigate the risks involved and stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors.
Weather
It's important to consider the forecast on a daily and even hourly basis, as snow conditions are always changing.
Below is an example of a basic avalanche advisory. This is the least of amount of information you should review, and forecast centers often provide detail relating to aspects, wind conditions, types of avalanches that have occurred, and a wealth of other valuable information.
Ortovox is a well-known brand that specializes in manufacturing outdoor equipment, particularly focusing on avalanche safety gear such as avalanche transceivers, probes, shovels, and avalanche airbags. It also offers educational resources and training programs to promote avalanche safety awareness and provide individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to stay safe in the mountains.
https://www.ortovox.com/us-en/safety-academy/training/avalanche-courses
This safety training typically covers a range of topics related to avalanche awareness, backcountry travel, and rescue techniques, including:
Avalanche Awareness: the basics of avalanche formation, terrain assessment, and recognizing avalanche terrain features. This includes understanding avalanche danger ratings, snowpack stability, and weather conditions that contribute to avalanche risk.
Transceiver Training: how to properly use avalanche transceivers (also known as avalanche beacons) for locating buried avalanche victims. This involves practicing search techniques, signal acquisition, pinpointing, and conducting mock rescue scenarios.
Avalanche Rescue Techniques: instruction on efficient and effective avalanche rescue procedures, including probing and shoveling techniques. Participants learn how to organize and execute a rescue operation in the event of an avalanche burial.
Companion Rescue: emphasizing the importance of teamwork and communication in backcountry travel. Participants learn how to work together as a cohesive team to mitigate avalanche risk and respond to emergencies effectively.
Backcountry Travel Skills: guidance on route planning, decision-making, and risk management while traveling in avalanche terrain. This includes understanding safe travel protocols, terrain selection, and navigation techniques.
Ortovox safety training programs include in-person workshops, online courses, and educational videos. The programs are designed to cater to individuals of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced backcountry travelers, and aim to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions and mitigate avalanche risk effectively.
This type of avalanche safety training is highly recommended if you plan to venture into the backcountry during the winter months. You’ll be equipped with essential skills and the necessary awareness to enjoy the mountains safely and responsibly.
Other great resources for avalanche safety education:
Avalanche.org has a map of all forecasting zones of every avalanche center in the United States.
Bridger Teton Avalanche Center
Covers the Tetons, Togwotee Pass, and mountain ranges just south of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Covers the entire state of Colorado.
Covers Central Idaho, including the area surrounding Sun Valley.
Covers the entire state of Utah.
Covers the mountains surrounding Taos, New Mexico.
Covers the northern part of California’s Sierra Nevada range, including Lake Tahoe.
Covers California's Bridgeport Winter Recreation area, just north of Yosemite National Park.
Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
Covers the Eastern portion of the Sierra Nevada range.
Covers the Pacific Northwest, including the Cascade Volcanoes.
Mount Washington Avalanche Center
Covers New Hampshire’s White Mountains, including Tuckerman’s Ravine.
Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center
Covers Southwestern Montana, including the area around Big Sky and Bridger Bowl.
Covers the mountains of Northeastern Oregon, including the Wallowa Range.
Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
Covers the mountains of Northern Idaho, including Silver Mountain and the Schweitzer area.
Covers the mountains of West Central Montana surrounding the city of Missoula.
Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center
Covers the mountains of North Central Arizona surrounding the city of Flagstaff.
Covers Northern California’s Mt. Shasta and the surrounding mountains.
Covers the area of Western Idaho surrounding McCall, Brundage and Tamarack.
Covers the area surrounding Whitefish, Montana and Glacier National Park.
Central Oregon Avalanche Center
Covers the central Oregon mountains including Mt. Bachelor.
Alaska Avalanche Information Center
Covers some of the major ranges of Alaska, including the Turnagain Pass and Kenai Peninsula zone, the Haines, Valdez and Cordova areas, the Chugach Range, Hatcher Pass, and the Eastern Alaska Ranges.
Coastal Alaska Avalanche Center
Covers the mountains surrounding the city of Juneau.
A nationwide network that covers all of Canada’s main ranges.
Always carry an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe when traveling in avalanche terrain and know how to use them. Backcountry travel involves risks. Educate yourself about the dangers and ways to minimize them.
