How to Predict an Avalanche

Avalanches occur when a layer of snow begins to slide and gather force during its descent, often crushing everything in its path. Predicting an avalanche isn't impossible, but you must remain aware of your surroundings. Check avalanche bulletins before you head out, and always pack the appropriate gear.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Avalanche beacon
• Avalanche shovel
• Avalanche tube

1. Consider the terrain first. Smooth terrain is more conducive to slides than are rocky mountainsides.
2. Check the weather conditions. Weather can change quickly on a mountain, and it's always a good idea to check the avalanche bulletins before hitting the mountain face. If there is recent wind loading, be aware that this can add to the instability between the layers and potentially cause an avalanche.
3. Know the angle of the mountain slope. The steeper the angle, the greater the risk for avalanches.
4. If you see any sign of avalanche activity, such as small amounts of snow rolling or sliding, go a different way. This is a strong predictor that an avalanche is about to occur.
5. Carry with you at all times an avalanche tube, an avalanche beacon set on "transmit" and avalanche shovels.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are caught in an avalanche, try to kick off your skis, get off the slab and move to the side. If you end up buried in the snow, make an air pocket for yourself.
• Ski with someone else, and only go one at a time down the slope face.
• Don't put your pole straps around your wrists when you ski.