Safety Tips For Snow Travel

Sun., Jan. 23, 2000

Be avalanche aware

Advice from the experts on traveling safely in avalanche territory: Check with local mountain guides, forecasters and outdoor travelers for conditions and hazards. Don’t ski, snowmobile or snowboard alone.

Carry an avalanche transceiver that will transmit your location if you’re trapped. The transceiver can also be set to receive signals from a trapped skier. Learn how to use the transceiver - it takes practice.

Carry a shovel and collapsible poles to probe the snow for victims in case you need to help with a rescue. Be alert following periods of steady snowfall - that’s when most avalanches occur.

Slopes with angles of 25 to 50 degrees are most likely to slide. Cornices, or overhanging shelves of snow, can build up along ridges and can fall, triggering avalanches. When traveling along ridges, avoid the edges.

When traveling through potentially unstable terrain, individuals should spread out and cross slopes one at a time, keeping a close watch for sliding or settling of the snow.

Most avalanches start above the timberline, on slopes opposite the prevailing wind.

Heavily forested slopes are less likely to slide. However, avalanches can start above these slopes and travel through moderately dense forests.

Watch for evidence of recent avalanches and look for snow that collapses or makes hollow sounds.

Only one in three avalanche victims buried without a beacon survives. But if you’re caught in an avalanche, try to escape by grabbing a tree or rock. If you fall, get rid of your skis, poles and pack and “swim” on the slide to stay toward the surface. When the avalanche stops, try to stay near the surface and make an air pocket.

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