Avalanches & Safety

Avalanches and mountain safety

In the light of the over 40 avalanche fatalities per season in North America and even greater numbers in Europe, this section should help you understand the essentials and ensure you have the necessary training, equipment, and experience before heading out in search of backcountry off-piste adventure. The most telling statistic is "lone skier, caught, buried and killed" so beware!

Avalanche safety

• Ski in groups • Appoint a group leader (and an alternate) to be responsible for making decisions in an emergency
• Go one at a time and always think about who will do the rescue if somthing goes wrong
• Be wary of cornices. Never walk up to the edge of a drop-off
• Ski gently. Wider skis are better then narrow skis, and a snowboard is better yet
• Remember the avalanche doesn't know (or care) that you're an expert

Safety equipment

• Buy a transceiver (beacon), collapsible probe, and a shovel
• Owing and carry equipment is not good enough - practise with it
• Carry a compass and inclinometer
• Take an avalanche awareness class

Avalanche danger descriptors

An overview of avalanche danger levels, probability and trigger, degree and distribution of danger and recommended action.
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Getting caught in an avalanche

The story of one man getting caught in an avalanche—and surviving to tell the tale. more...

Getting buried in an avalanche

If you are completely buried in an avalanche the odds of survival are slim, unless you wear a transceiver (beacon), your partners escape and they have the right gear and experience.
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Avalanche fatalities

The number of avalanche fatalities is steadily rising, largely because more and more skiers and boarders head off into the backcountry. more...

Wet avalanches

Wet avalanches are triggered by warm air temperatures, sun or rain, causing water to percolate through the snowpack and decreasing its strength. more...

Dry avalanches

Dry avalanches, though beautiful, are extremely violent and seize up like concrete the instant they come to a halt.
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Slab and loose snow avalanches

Nearly all avalanche deaths in North America are caused by slab avalanches, caused when a cohesive plate of snow suddenly slides away.
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Ice and cornice fall avalanches

Ice and cornice fall avalanches occur when overhanging ice or snow breaks off.
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Avalanche gear

Away from the marked runs, you depend on your friends and your equipment should anything go wrong.

Make sure you have the best gear, available from Facewest.

Avalanche guide

Some passages in this section are extracted from Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper, Director of the Utah Avalanche Center.
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