Avalanche Awareness B M O C

Objectives Describe the four factors that create avalanche danger Describe the basic conditions of each factor that create avalanche danger Correctly use several field indicators and tests to identify and avoid hazards. Correctly conduct self searches/rescues. B M O C

Trip Planning Training On hill safety Taking the Essentials Outline Trip Planning Training On hill safety Taking the Essentials Ski hill equipment Emergency gear

On the Ski Hill

Hazards on the Hill Other skiers/riders Rocks, Cliffs, Creeks Trees Tree-wells Avalanches Weather Getting Lost

Hazards on the Hill– Tree Wells What is a tree well….?

Hazards on the Hill– Tree Wells If you are caught…. Stay calm. Make an air pocket. Try to wiggle out but stop if sinking deeper. Watch out for snow on branches. Call for help / Blow your whistle.

(Likelihood of Occurrence) x (Consequences) Hazard Mitigation Risk = (Likelihood of Occurrence) x (Consequences) It’s all about limiting risk… important to remember, in light of this, that even danger rating is low, that could also be interpreted as small avalanches being likely!

Backcountry Checklist Hazard Mitigation Backcountry Checklist Pre Trip Plan: Current Conditions Recent Avalanches Wx Avalanche Forecast Avalanche Problem(s) Route/Terrain Appropriate Closed Standby Open Concerns with Plan? Goals? Travel & Rescue Gear Transceiver Check Probability of Achieving Objective? Before Entering Avalanche Terrain Slope Angle? Avalanche Problem? Signs of instability? Terrain Appropriate? Human Factors? Uncertainty? Communication Terrain Consistent with Pre-trip Plan? Back At Home Good Decisions? Manage Terrain? Conditions Match Forecast? Concerns for the future? MIN report? How could I improve? wx prep, reading reports, companion rescue practice, telling people where you’re going, understanding your group/group dynamics, checking beacons etc., have a preconceived idea of whether your objective is possible, list of gear (check before you leave) americanavalancheinstitute.com

In An Emergency, Stay Where You Are* Stop Think Observe Plan Then Act… * If you are in a safe place

In An Emergency, Keep Warm and Dry Clothing - tuck in, zip up, hats or toque to prevent heat loss Shelter - natural or improvised, situating it, creating barrier from the ground Fire – lighting, maintaining and controlling

In An Emergency, Help Searchers Find You Use Signaling Devices – universal distress signal 3X mirrors whistles Flares/fires visual signals Make yourself BIG Leave clues Be heard, be seen

Photo courtesy of Revelstoke SAR

Who is the most visible?

Difference Between In Bounds and Out of Bounds NO PATROL NO AVALANCHE CONTROL NO GROOMING NO WARNING SIGNS

Following tracks DOES NOT mean it is safe

What is the Backcountry? Backcountry: Any area you can ski/tour/snowshoe/snowmobile/winter camp that is accessible however you must be prepared and equipped for winter travel and have the proper knowledge, skills and training. What is the Backcountry?

Hazards in the Backcountry What are some things that could happen in the backcountry? Injury Gear breakdown Getting lost Weather change Darkness Cold Hunger Avalanche

“Must-Haves” in the Backcountry