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Avalanche Awareness

Avalanche Awareness. 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. Outline.

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Avalanche Awareness

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

  4. On the Ski Hill

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

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

  7. If you are caught…. Hazards on the Hill– Tree Wells • 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. Hazard Mitigation Risk = (Likelihood of Occurrence) x (Consequences)

  9. 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? americanavalancheinstitute.com

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

  11. 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 In An Emergency, Keep Warm and Dry

  12. Use Signaling Devices – universal distress signal 3X mirrors whistles Flares/fires visual signals Make yourself BIG Leave clues Be heard, be seen In An Emergency, Help Searchers Find You

  13. Photo courtesy of Revelstoke SAR

  14. Who is the most visible?

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

  16. Following tracks DOES NOT mean it is safe

  17. 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. What are some things that could happen in the backcountry? • Injury • Gear breakdown • Getting lost • Weather change • Darkness • Cold • Hunger • Avalanche Hazards in the Backcountry

  19. “Must-Haves” in the Backcountry

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