Avalanche and snowpack education is the best method to staying out of avalanches. Skiers have been getting into the big avalanche terrain longer then snowmobilers and are ahead as far as avalanche education. The snowmobile community is catching on and realizing that if you want to get into the steep stuff you need to know when it's ok to do so.
While natural avalanches commonly occur during snow storms most avalanches that kill people are triggered by themselves or others in their group. This means we are choosing to be in areas where we can trigger avalanches. This means we have a choice to be there or not to be there. This means that we can choose to avoid avalanche terrain when conditions are bad.
Here's a couple of quick things to think about.
First we need to learn what is avalanche terrain and what isn't. Any snow covered slope approaching 30 degrees in steepness is avalanche terrain. Keep in mind that even if you aren't on the slope proper you still can get caught if you are below a slope that approaches 30 degrees. To avoid avalanche terrain, stay off of and out from under slopes approaching 30 degrees. This is the most basic method to avoid accidents.
Second, if you choose to get into terrain with slopes approaching 30 degrees you need to know whether the snow is stable or unstable. The easiest way is to utilize your local avalanche center for current conditions. Another way is to learn about the snow so you can determine on your own if it is unstable. This method takes quite a bit of time in education and experience. If you are unsure about what stable or unstable snow is you cannot justify getting into avalanche terrain.
Third, if you choose to get into avalanche terrain a cardinal rule that will save many lives is to only expose one person at a time on or below a steep slope. That means if you are crossing underneath, everyone must wait in a safe spot for a rider to get across a slope. If you are hill climbing riders need to be clear of the bottom when another rider is climbing. Don't have lunch or take breaks below steep slopes. One person at a time on or under steep slopes is the rule.
I've been getting into avalanche terrain for 20+ years on skis and snowboards and more recently I've been utilizing snowmobiles as well. I plan to continue to get into avalanche terrain but only when the risk is low. This takes years of education and experience to realize when it's safe. One other thing that is very valuable and you MUST have if you plan on being in avalanche terrain for a long time is patience. Obviously you cannot always get on the steep stuff and you gotta remember that you'll get another chance if you wait until it's safe.
This year has started out with an unstable snowpack in many areas of the west. Many areas have a rain or rime crust that people have been talking about on this forum. Keep in mind that it's not the crust that's the weakness but rather the loose sugary (faceted) snow just above and below it that is causing the problem. The crust just makes things trickier. Things may improve but weather will dictate. Right now we need to be patient and try to fight off the lure of the fresh snow. Be careful out there people.
Brett Kobernik
Avalanche Forecaster
Utah Avalanche Center
While natural avalanches commonly occur during snow storms most avalanches that kill people are triggered by themselves or others in their group. This means we are choosing to be in areas where we can trigger avalanches. This means we have a choice to be there or not to be there. This means that we can choose to avoid avalanche terrain when conditions are bad.
Here's a couple of quick things to think about.
First we need to learn what is avalanche terrain and what isn't. Any snow covered slope approaching 30 degrees in steepness is avalanche terrain. Keep in mind that even if you aren't on the slope proper you still can get caught if you are below a slope that approaches 30 degrees. To avoid avalanche terrain, stay off of and out from under slopes approaching 30 degrees. This is the most basic method to avoid accidents.
Second, if you choose to get into terrain with slopes approaching 30 degrees you need to know whether the snow is stable or unstable. The easiest way is to utilize your local avalanche center for current conditions. Another way is to learn about the snow so you can determine on your own if it is unstable. This method takes quite a bit of time in education and experience. If you are unsure about what stable or unstable snow is you cannot justify getting into avalanche terrain.
Third, if you choose to get into avalanche terrain a cardinal rule that will save many lives is to only expose one person at a time on or below a steep slope. That means if you are crossing underneath, everyone must wait in a safe spot for a rider to get across a slope. If you are hill climbing riders need to be clear of the bottom when another rider is climbing. Don't have lunch or take breaks below steep slopes. One person at a time on or under steep slopes is the rule.
I've been getting into avalanche terrain for 20+ years on skis and snowboards and more recently I've been utilizing snowmobiles as well. I plan to continue to get into avalanche terrain but only when the risk is low. This takes years of education and experience to realize when it's safe. One other thing that is very valuable and you MUST have if you plan on being in avalanche terrain for a long time is patience. Obviously you cannot always get on the steep stuff and you gotta remember that you'll get another chance if you wait until it's safe.
This year has started out with an unstable snowpack in many areas of the west. Many areas have a rain or rime crust that people have been talking about on this forum. Keep in mind that it's not the crust that's the weakness but rather the loose sugary (faceted) snow just above and below it that is causing the problem. The crust just makes things trickier. Things may improve but weather will dictate. Right now we need to be patient and try to fight off the lure of the fresh snow. Be careful out there people.
Brett Kobernik
Avalanche Forecaster
Utah Avalanche Center