Avalanche Awareness
Whenever you’re planning an adventure into the alpine backcountry, whether that be on skis or foot, you need to be considering avalanche safety. In New Zealand 1999 to 2018, there were 742 reported avalanche incidents (unintentionally human triggered ), including 27 fatalities. Of the 27 fatalities since 1998, 19 or 70% of all fatalities, have involved mountaineers.
Obviously taking avalanche gear, knowing how to use it, and reading the avalanche report are a must. Taking part in a basic avalanche course such as Avalanche Skills Course 1 is the best option to gain these must have skills! But once you have an understanding of avalanche terrain and rescue, what should you be considering throughout every day in the backcountry to reduce your risk of being caught in an avalanche?
These are three strategies that can help you make more informed decisions when travelling in avalanche terrain…
Daily Process:
Get a baseline picture: What was the recent weather? Is there any new loading? Temperature fluctuations? Rapid warming? What is the current avalanche forecast? What is the main concern?
Know your group: have clear communication, openly discuss the baseline picture, potential dangers, and make multiple plans
Have emergency plans thought out and carry the equipment needed for those plans!
Confirm your suspicions: observe it, test it, record it, share it!
So what? Reevaluate and change your pan accordingly
2. Always be thinking of the 5 A’s:
Aspect - what aspect are you on in regards to the avi forecast? Has there been recent slope loading?
Altitude - what is your altitude in regards to the avi forecast? Higher altitudes tend to have more variable snow pack conditions
Angle - 25° to 45° is avalanche terrain, avalanches most common between 34-45°
Appearance - is the slope concave, convex, or planar? Is the slope confined or wide? Are there terrain traps or trigger points?
Anchoring - is the slope above or below threshold? Are there rocks or trees that help hold the slab in place, or create weak stress concentration points?
3. Avalanche terrain travel commandments:
Travel one person at a time
Leave someone in a safe spot to perform a rescue
Avoid crossing above others
Have a planned escape route at all times
Cross high on the avalanche path when possible
Begin with small slopes and gradually progress to bigger/ steeper ones
Be obsessed with consequences
Maintain clear and effective communication
Learn to recognise and pause at critical decision points
Carry the appropriate equipment and be proficient with it
Be safe and have fun out there!