How to Stay Safe in Avalanche Terrain

Avalanche terrain is unpredictable. It is impossible to eliminate all of the risk associated with being in avalanche terrain, but that is also part of the appeal for backcountry enthusiasts. While there is no way to be 100% safe, you can be prepared and eliminate a large portion of the risk involved. It's always better to be safe.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Educate yourself about avalanche terrain. Know before you go. Take an avalanche course that will teach you about avalanche hazards, safety equipment, safe travel, beacon searches, snow stability, rescues and other important things.

2. Practice your skills. Go out with a friend and practice with your avalanche beacon. Discuss snow and slopes with friends. Observations, feedback and discussions are great learning tools.

3. Evaluate the snowpack and hazards. Dig snow pits and learn to interpret the results of snow stability tests--rutschblock tests, compression tests, shovel shear tests, extended compression tests, yellow flag tests.

4. Travel safely and follow precautions. Have rescue and emergency plans made before you head out in the backcountry. Always carry proper safety equipment. A shovel, probe, and beacon are the bear minimum. Choose the safest routes, use proper spacing between people in your group,and never expose more than one person to avalanche terrain at one time.

5. Gain valuable snow experience in the backcountry. Start on terrain you know is safe until you feel you have a solid understanding of snow stability tests, avalanche hazards, safe travel and observations.

6. Learn how to react calmly, quickly and logically in case of an avalanche or other type of emergency. It could save your life or your friend's life.

Tips & Warnings

• Education and experience are the keys to staying safe in avalanche terrain. Learn as much as you can about avalanches and backcountry travel through courses, books, papers and magazines.
• You can never be 100% safe in the backcountry. Always travel with people that you completely trust with your life.

Resources

• AIARE
• Forest Service National Avalanche Center

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