Staying Alive In Avalanche Terrain

Since Christmas, record snow fall, especially in Southern BC, has increased the avalanche hazard to extreme proportions, shutting down highways and disallowing access to threatened areas in ski resorts, even so there have been many fatalities.

last week some skiers went out of bounds at Grouse Mountain Ski resort in Vancouver. The skiers, who say they were equipped with avalanche gear, were rescued by helicopter whether they needed it or not, presented with the rescue bill and banned from Grouse Mountain Ski Resort for life. This event coupled with the extreme avalanche hazard and the avalanche fatalities has sparked debate between backcountry enthusiasts and the general public. The feeling is- if you venture out into the backcountry you are on your own.

I’m a back country skier. I’ve been back country skiing for the last seven years. I have never been in an avalanche and I hope I never will. I’ve taken avalanche courses and own and use all the equipment, avalanche beacon, probe and shovel. This alone is not enough to keep you alive.

Some people swear by snow pits. You dig down deeply into the snow pack performing stress tests on a suspected weak layer to check its instability.

However, knowledge of snow conditions starts well before you dig a pit. Paying attention to the weather, temperature, freezing and thawing, and snowfall over the entire ski season will help you know what the layers are before you dig a pit.

The whole time you are out in the back country you should be using your ski pole or probe to test the snow. How fluffy, wet, hard, heavy is it? what layers can you detect? where is the soft snow ? the hard snow? Use you eyes to note cornices, and slides on surrounding peaks, sluffing or point avalanches. Look where the wind is blowing and depositing the snow. Use your ears to listen for characteristic whumping sounds, a sign the snow is unstable.

Pay attention to the slope you are thinking of skiing. Most avalanches occur on slopes between 35 -45 degrees. Knowing the steepness of the slope will help you choose safer terrain. Anchors like trees and rocks will not prevent a slope from sliding.

Always remember you are participating in a dangerous activity. The potential for death is real. It could strike with absolutely no notice at any time. Pay attention to the group feeling, if someone is not comfortable then don’t go there.

The aim is to try not to have to use your avalanche equipment to locate and dig up your friends, or for them to dig you up. The possibility of surviving an avalanche is minimal.

Get educated.

Excellent books I have read are:
Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper,
Snow Sense By Jill Fredston and Doug Fesler.

Use your brain and listen to your gut feeling. It is usually right.