1. Avalanche Awareness
B M O C

2. 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

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

4. On the Ski Hill

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

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

7. 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.

8. (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!

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Photo courtesy of Revelstoke SAR

14. Who is the most visible?

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

16. Following tracks DOES NOT mean it is safe

17. 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?

18. 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

19. “Must-Haves” in the Backcountry