Avalanche Safety jae H. Roh Winter School 2002

staying alive: avoid getting caught in an avalanche (recognize and avoid avalanche zones) if you get caught make it easy for others to find you (use a beacon) once you're found, get dug out (carry a shovel)

How to die Physical trauma Suffocation by ice mask

avalanche dynamics: terrain Snowpack evolution precipitation/weather trigger - i.e. you!

equipment inclinometer Beacons – practice using it! shovels probes - (body recovery) (avalung)

Recognizing Avalanche terrain degrees open slopes gullies open stands of trees

White Mountains avalanche territory Mt. Washington Ravines, Huntington's, Tuckermans Gulf of Slides Other areas

Getting Avalanche Forecasts USFS Avalanche reports – –also posted at Pinkham Notch USFS Snow Ranger –(603) Today on Mount Washington –Tuckermans: Considerable –Huntingtons: Moderate

Avalanche Hazard Ratings LOW MODERATE CONSIDERABLE HIGH EXTREME

Obvious signs of avalanche danger are: Cornices Fracture lines Audible "whump" or other settling sounds sound Feeling a settling or shifting of the slope Fresh avalanche activity Unstable layers in snowpack –Dig snow pits, shovel test, ski test

If you must cross an avalanche slope: Cross one at a time and watch each other carefully Ski from one island of safety to the next Close up clothing and undo pack straps Remove pole wrist loops, safety straps, and loosen bindings

If you get caught in an avalanche You must rescue yourselves! –DO NOT just go for help – it won’t come in time. –Buried victims have 20 minutes tops If your buddy is caught –mark where you last saw them –do quick visual search. anything poking out of the snow? –Begin search down hill

Learning More Books –Snow Sense –ABCs of Avalanche Safety Videos Courses –Offered by SOLO, others