Backcountry Safety - If You Don't know, Don't Go!

Know what the current avalanche conditions are? Know what the latest weather forecast says? The Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center is a great resource!

Photo contents: 1. Backcountry shovel, 2. Avalanche probe (extended), 3. Backpack, 4. Avalanche probe (folded), 5. Extra dry gloves and a flashlight, 6. Water, 7. First aid kit, 8. Avalanche transceiver, 9. Extra dry hat, 10. Food that is high in energy

Backcountry terrain is rugged. Generally, backcountry areas have not had any sort of preventative avalanche control work performed. This risk, along with the other hazards - large cliffs, obstacles, changing snow conditions, sink-holes, etc. - requires respect, knowledge and preparation.

Respect in the backcountry is needed to prevent unnecessary accidents.

You should realize that your actions affect not just yourself, but also every other member of your party and potentially any other winter enthusiasts who may be required to help in the case of an accident. If you feel something is above your ability level, it is your responsibility to make the wise judgement and inform your group.

Knowledge is your best safety tool

Knowledge is the key to safer backcountry excursions. Knowledge of your planned ascent and descent routes, knowledge of the general area you plan on exploring, knowledge of your equipment and how it functions, knowledge of recent weather patterns and future weather forecasts, and knowledge of snow science/snow safety. All of these pieces play an integral role in your safe return from your journey into the backcountry. With the proper knowledge, you can make the proper judgement.

This is an avalanche transceiver.	Like a seatbelt, an avalanche transceiver only works when you wear it and know how to use it!

Which brings us to preparation...

You can purchase all the fancy gear, be the best skier or rider in the world, but if you don't know how to use avalanche safety tools prior to being thrust into an avalanche situation, none of it matters. Take an avalanche safety course so you can learn when an avalanche may occur. Practice switching your avalanche transceiver to receive the signal from another transceiver. See if you can locate a friend's hidden transceiver in their room or in your yard.

Know how to use your transceiver before you go into the backcountry. Every second counts when you are searching. This is not the time to refer to the transceiver owner's manual for clarification.	Practice extending and using your avalanche probe so you know the difference between striking a rock and striking a tree.

Avalanche Rescue

Between 55 and 65 percent of victims buried in the open are killed, and only 80 percent of the victims remaining on the surface survive. (McClung, p.177).

Research carried out in Italy (Nature vol 368 p21) based on 422 buried skiers indicates how the chances of survival drop:

• very rapidly from 92 percent within 15 minutes to only 30 percent after 35 minutes (victims die of suffocation)
• near zero after two hours (victims die of injuries or hypothermia)

	Although he is man's best friend, you don't want to have to meet him while he's working.

Know what the current avalanche conditions are? Know what the latest weather forecast says? The Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center is a great resource!

Want to know more about Alpental's backcountry policy? Click here.