Avalanches Kill. Here’s What Every Backpacker Needs to Know.

Avalanches are a serious threat to anyone venturing into the backcountry during the winter months. They are powerful and unpredictable, capable of sweeping away everything in their path, including people. In fact, avalanches are the leading cause of death for backcountry enthusiasts, including skiers, snowboarders, and hikers. It's essential for all outdoor enthusiasts to be aware of the dangers and know how to stay safe in avalanche terrain.

Avalanches can occur on any slope with a sufficient amount of snow, but they are most common on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Factors such as recent snowfall, wind, temperature changes, and the type of snowpack all contribute to avalanche risk. Understanding these factors and knowing how to assess them is crucial for avoiding danger.

One of the most important tools for assessing avalanche risk is the avalanche forecast. These forecasts are issued by professional avalanche forecasters and provide valuable information about the current snowpack, recent weather, and potential avalanche danger. Before heading into the backcountry, it's essential to check the avalanche forecast for your area and adjust your plans accordingly.

In addition to the avalanche forecast, it's important to have the right gear. Every backcountry traveler should carry an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel. These tools are essential for locating and rescuing someone buried in an avalanche. It's also a good idea to carry a first-aid kit, a map, and a compass, as well as a means of communication, such as a satellite phone or emergency beacon.

When traveling in avalanche terrain, it's important to travel with a partner and to stay in visual or voice contact at all times. If someone is caught in an avalanche, their partner is their best hope for a quick rescue. It's also essential to practice avalanche rescue techniques regularly, so you can respond effectively in an emergency.

When assessing avalanche risk, it's important to pay attention to the signs of instability in the snowpack. These signs include recent avalanche activity, cracking or collapsing of the snow, and obvious signs of wind loading. It's also important to be aware of the potential consequences of an avalanche, such as the terrain below the slope and the potential burial depth.

If you do find yourself caught in an avalanche, there are a few key things to remember. First, try to get out of the way of the moving snow by grabbing onto something solid, such as a tree or rock. If that's not possible, try to swim to the surface of the avalanche and keep one arm up to create an air pocket. Once the avalanche comes to a stop, try to create as much space around your face as possible to make breathing easier.

Once the avalanche has stopped, your partners should start searching for you immediately using their avalanche transceivers. If you are the one searching, use a systematic approach, moving back and forth across the debris field in a grid pattern. Once you have located the buried person, use your probe to pinpoint their exact location and then start digging. Time is of the essence in an avalanche rescue, so work quickly and efficiently.

It's important to remember that the best way to survive an avalanche is to avoid getting caught in one in the first place. This means making smart decisions about where and when to travel in the backcountry. Always check the avalanche forecast, assess the snowpack, and be prepared with the right gear and knowledge. Remember that avalanche terrain is not to be taken lightly, and that the consequences of a mistake can be deadly.

In conclusion, avalanches are a serious threat to anyone traveling in the backcountry during the winter months. Understanding the factors that contribute to avalanche risk, staying informed with the avalanche forecast, and being prepared with the right gear and knowledge are essential for staying safe. By making smart decisions and being aware of the dangers, backcountry enthusiasts can enjoy the winter wonderland without putting themselves at unnecessary risk.