Avalanche Precautions

Sun., Dec. 8, 1996

By Rich Landers richl@spokesman.com (509) 459-5508

Snow sports

Skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers heading into the region’s backcountry must constantly be aware of the potential for avalanche, Forest Service officials say.

Avalanches happen most of slopes between 35 and 40 degrees. High winds can load snow on lee slopes and create slabs that increase the danger. Most avalanche victims die of suffocation, officials said.

Basic precautions include:

Travel with a group.

Cross snowslide areas one at a time.

Avoid steep terrain when avalanche danger is high. The Idaho Panhandle National Forests avalanche forecast is updated on Fridays. Call (208) 765-7323.

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Avalanche Precautions

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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