Cold Facts Of Nature Backcountry Winter Wonderland Can Turn To Nightmare In Moments

The procession of fun seekers into the winter backcountry has risen from a trickle a decade ago to a steady stream.

The proof is in the escalation of avalanche incidents involving skiers, snowmobilers, snowboarders and climbers.

The hotbed for avalanche casualties is right here in the Northwest.

Last year, 47 incidents were reported in the western portions of the United States and Canada, more than half of the 75 reported avalanche incidents involving backcountry travelers around the world.

The incidents are compiled by the Cyber Space Snow and Avalanche Center, a World Wide Web site fed by international avalanche centers.

Last year’s report shows that 26 of the known avalanche incidents occurred in Montana, Idaho, Washington and British Columbia.

Since this winter began, 14 skiers and snowmobilers have died in British Columbia, equalling the number killed in all of last winter.

“It sounds odd, but the rate of avalanche fatalities is actually dropping if you consider the increase in people participating in winter recreation,” said Evan Manners of the Canadian Avalanche Center in Revelstoke.

“The sport of snowboarding has only been around for a decade. Snowmobiles have only recently improved their technology so that the average family sled can go into terrain that was previously open only to custom modified sleds.

“Today there simply are more people in places where they are at risk.”

Of course, avalanche isn’t the only hazard associated with winter backcountry travel. That’s why North Idaho backcountry enthusiasts and experts in numerous disciplines have volunteered their knowledge for two free seminars coming up this month at North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene.

Backcountry Safety ‘98 will include presentations on cold weather injuries, essential equipment, technical clothing, First aid and extended care, risk management, safety tips from law enforcement, wildlife ethics, treading lightly and forest regulations.

Twenty five people showed up for the first. Attendance jumped to 250 last year.

Still, the need to educate backcountry travelers has only been scratched, said Bob Abbott of Coeur d’Alene, who’s helping publicize the seminars at NIC.

Indeed, 10 skiers and snowmobilers died in avalanches last weekend in British Columbia and Montana.

“The coolest part about this whole program is that all the agencies and individuals involved have volunteered their time and resources to the cause,” Abbott said. “No one is making a nickel off of this and all the expenses are out of pocket. The presenters are an interesting collection of local, county, state and federal agencies, local businesses that specialize in outdoor products and services and private individuals who have some knowledge or skills to impart and want to be involved.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Safe winter fun Two Backcountry Safety ‘98 seminars for skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and hunters are scheduled this month at North Idaho College’s Boswell Hall auditorium. Wednesday, covering winter safety techniques for beginners. Jan. 21, covering advanced winter safety techniques. Both seminars run 6 p.m.-10 p.m. and are free to the public.