How To Be Safe in Avalanche Country

While carving lines on a board or set of skis is one of life’s great pleasures, the potential for danger, in the form of avalanche, is something that should always be in the back of snow enthusiasts’ minds. Especially those who like to travel in the backcountry. Each year, about 200 Americans are caught in avalanches with about 30 of those resulting in death. Avalanches can occur at any time of year but are especially common in winter, spring and early summer. Luckily, most can be avoided by following these guidelines. Keep in mind that whole courses are given in avalanche awareness and the science behind it all; these tips are no substitute for avalanche training.

1. Check www.avalanche.org for the latest conditions. There are links here to avalanche centers in North America’s most avalanche-prone regions.
2. Never travel alone.
3. Along with the 10 essentials—map, compass, flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries and bulb, extra food, extra clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, pocketknife, matches in a waterproof container, fire starter, and first aid kit—carry these whenever you’re headed out for some winter backcountry travel: avalanche transceiver (make sure you know how to use it), ski or trekking poles, and a portable shovel.
4. Don’t cross below steep open slopes where avalanches have already occurred.
5. Don’t blindly follow tracks in the snow assuming that those who’ve gone before you know an avalanche-safe route.
6. Be aware that the most dangerous time for avalanches is during heavy snowfall (more than an inch of falling snow per hour) and warming periods with heavy rains or sunshine.
7. Avoid traveling along valley bottoms below slopes you suspect may avalanche. Ridge-tops are safer. However, you need to keep an eye out for overhanging cornices.
8. Most slopes that avalanche are at angles of 30 to 45 degrees, roughly the same angle as slopes at ski areas and the more lusted-after backcountry slopes. Be aware also that most avalanches occur on slopes that are steep north-, east- or leeward-facing, or on south-facing slopes in the middle of the day.
9. If you do find yourself caught in an avalanche, fight hard to keep from getting swept away. Try to grab onto anything—a rock, a tree, etc.—and/or dig your poles or ice ax into the snow to keep from being swept away. If that fails, try a swimming motion—flailing your arms and legs—in an attempt to stay at the surface of the slide. If your head goes below the surface of the snow, close your mouth, and as the slide stops, try to thrust upward. If buried, put your hand in front of your face to create breathing room. Remain calm, conserving energy and oxygen. As long as you weren’t traveling alone, your chances of being found are good.
10. If you have any doubt about whether your route is avalanche safe, cancel it or substitute it with a trip you know to be safe. Perhaps someplace with gentle, forested slopes and/or little snowpack.
11. Take an avalanche-training course, one that teaches you to recognize slopes and snow types prone to avalanche, and the proper use of avalanche transceivers. Check www.avalanche.org/~education for avalanche courses offered in your area.