LOW RISK TRAVEL BOILS DOWN TO 3 THINGS:
1. Identify Avalanche Terrain: Watching for any slope steeper than 30 degrees as well as avalanche run out zones can ensure that you ride one at a time in avalanche terrain with your partners parked in a safe zone. Riders in the photo below are not parked in a safe zone.
2. SNOWPACK and WEATHER: Look for
recent avalanches and other obvious clues of unstable snow, and look for signs that weather is contributing to instability like strong winds or heavy snow.
Recent avalanches tell us the snow on similar slopes is likely unstable. Testing small slopes with low consequences is a good idea before climbing bigger ones.
Strong winds transporting snow in the picture below mean avalanches are more likely on the lee side of the mountain.
3. WHAT IF ALL GOES WRONG: Every rider needs to carry avalanche rescue gear including a beacon, probe, and shovel and know how to use it.
Next Section: Avalanche Rescue »
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Highmarking Checklist:
- Avalanche rescue gear on everyone?
- Any obvious signs of unstable snow?
- Is weather making the snow unstable?
- Partners in a safe spot?
- What if the slope slides?
While one rider is climbing, the other is watching in a safe location
Make sure:
- NEVER ride up an avalanche slope to help a rider get unstuck. Many have died in avalanches doing this.
- STOP frequently to look around and find any clues nature is providing about stability.
- ALWAYS park in a safe location not parked with your sled pointed uphill.
Boondocking?
- A great option during elevated avalanche danger!
- Small slopes can be just as dangerous as big bowls.
- Small slopes are especially dangerous if they end in gullies or other terrain traps.
- Avoid low angle slopes connected to steeper ones; these slopes are part of avalanche terrain.
- Keep track of your partners. Even in small avalanches, seconds count!
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