Bike and Cycling Information
Safety Tips For Travel in Avalanche TerrainSkills and equipment for safe travel in avalanche areasWhen 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:
Recognizing signs of avalanches.There are many signs that might indicate you may be in danger. Ask yourself these questions.
Other Signs indicating avalanche danger
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. Sometimes there is no choice but to ski across a suspect slope. When faced with this it is important that only one group member cross at a time. You should remove pole and ski straps an undo any straps on your pack. While crossing all group members should watch the person crossing. Cross the slope stopping in a pre designated safe zone. 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. How are avalanches triggered?Avalanches are either triggered by natural conditions such as changes in weather, snow loading or other conditions that naturally occur. Most avalanches are triggered naturally. Alternatively human triggered avalanches are responsible for most people being buried. The weight of a skier, snow boarder or snowmobiler can cause a failure between the layers of snow and result in an avalanche. 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. 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. Avalanches are deadly and failure to respect the areas you venture into can literally cost you your life. Even the most experienced guide can only evaluate the snow pack They can never say definitively whether or not an avalanche will occur. Plan your routes carefully, carry all safety equipment and know how to use it, travel with more experienced people and learn, learn, learn. |
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