S
snowww1
Well-known member
Some facts about snowmobile avalanche fatalities in the US last winter.
These facts are presented to increase awareness and to reduce accidents and fatalities.
Good news:
Snowmobile avalanche fatalities are down from a few years ago. We were half that of combined skier and snowboard fatalities. In Winter 2008-09 we were double the fatalities of skiers and snowboarders combined.
Riders are better prepared and taking classes.
We were 30% of the avalanche fatalities in the US. We use to be 50-59% of the total.
Snowmobilers with training are pulling off some very impressive rescues.
Where snowmobilers need to improve.
78% of the fatalities occurred on high danger days. Need to alter our riding according to the danger.
67% of the fatalities had riders in the runout zone. Multiple riders are getting caught, others are having to escape the avalanche. Makes for a much longer rescue and the result is an increase in fatalities. Riders need better islands of safety and need to park farther away when someone is climbing.
56% of the fatalities involved multiple people being caught. Only one rider at a time should be on the slope. Chance of fatality increases when you have to dig yourself out and then go help a friend. Too much time is wasted.
In 44% of the fatalities, rescuers were not proficient with beacons or rescue techniques. Can't just wear a beacon. Riders need to be effective with beacons and rescue techniques. Rescue involves much more than using a beacon. Avalanche rescue training is essential.
In 22% of the fatalities, rescuers missed visual clues. Eyes are quicker than the beacon. Don't get tunnel vision on the beacon and miss visual clues.
Class schedule is posted at www.avalanche1.com on the schedule page. BRP is offering free classes throughout the U.S.
Mike Duffy
Avalanche1.com
Avalanche education for mountain riders.
These facts are presented to increase awareness and to reduce accidents and fatalities.
Good news:
Snowmobile avalanche fatalities are down from a few years ago. We were half that of combined skier and snowboard fatalities. In Winter 2008-09 we were double the fatalities of skiers and snowboarders combined.
Riders are better prepared and taking classes.
We were 30% of the avalanche fatalities in the US. We use to be 50-59% of the total.
Snowmobilers with training are pulling off some very impressive rescues.
Where snowmobilers need to improve.
78% of the fatalities occurred on high danger days. Need to alter our riding according to the danger.
67% of the fatalities had riders in the runout zone. Multiple riders are getting caught, others are having to escape the avalanche. Makes for a much longer rescue and the result is an increase in fatalities. Riders need better islands of safety and need to park farther away when someone is climbing.
56% of the fatalities involved multiple people being caught. Only one rider at a time should be on the slope. Chance of fatality increases when you have to dig yourself out and then go help a friend. Too much time is wasted.
In 44% of the fatalities, rescuers were not proficient with beacons or rescue techniques. Can't just wear a beacon. Riders need to be effective with beacons and rescue techniques. Rescue involves much more than using a beacon. Avalanche rescue training is essential.
In 22% of the fatalities, rescuers missed visual clues. Eyes are quicker than the beacon. Don't get tunnel vision on the beacon and miss visual clues.
Class schedule is posted at www.avalanche1.com on the schedule page. BRP is offering free classes throughout the U.S.
Mike Duffy
Avalanche1.com
Avalanche education for mountain riders.
