2024 has been a memorable summer, but we are now watching the snow falling in the alpine, days are cooling and the puffy jackets are all coming out again! Our final Mountaineering and Alpine programs are completed for the year, and now reports are trickling in of early season skiing and trailbreaking through new snow and sub-zero temperatures.
Winter is on its way and we are looking forward to the snowy season! Backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and winter mountaineering are all sports easily enjoyed in Western Canada. Nothing can compare to a beautiful day in the alpine after a fresh dump of snow – many visitors come to BC only in the winter seeking out recreation and adventure in our mountains.
As enjoyable and inviting as a day on the slopes or trails may be, though, there are often harsh, tragic realities that go along with the winter environment. This is especially true in the mountainous regions of our provinces where avalanche hazards exist throughout the winter, even on the most spectacular of days. Fortunately for all of us, a little knowledge and awareness, combined with prudent decisions will go a long way to keeping our winter pursuits safe.
The first action we can all take to avoid getting into trouble this winter is to get the education needed to make appropriate decisions for you and your partners. An AST-1 or AST-2 course goes a long way to helping you make good decisions and stay safe (Avalanche Skills Training Programs)
Once you have your Avalanche Skills Training completed, the key to safety is to stay vigilant and carefully choose when and where to play (or, when/where not to play). Contrary to popular myth, avalanches are not random and unpredictable occurrences. This allows the knowledgeable backcountry traveller to make careful decisions regarding when and where to travel (though even the most experienced experts will often turn around due to uncertainty!) The basic rule for all people travelling in avalanche terrain is “Recognition and Avoidance.” Learn to identify the hazardous terrain, and stay away from it when there is an increased risk of an avalanche. This may sound simple, but in reality there are many, many variables that need to be considered; this is why we encourage everyone to be conservative, and err on the side of caution if you are not 100% certain of the conditions.
How do you recognize avalanche terrain? Generally any snow covered slope that is steeper than 25 degrees incline, or terrain with such a slope above it, is considered avalanche terrain. Now, if you are skiing or snowboarding, this is where you want to be, right? So, the next step, is to determine if the snow is safe to venture onto at that time. This is the difficult part, and requires education and experience to gain confidence in the decisions required. While a variety of learned skills and observation techniques are needed, the best source of information is by checking your local Avalanche Bulletin. In Canada, this will be found through Avalanche Canada at www.avalanche.ca.
However, always be aware that dangerous conditions often exist deep in the snow-pack without any signs at all, so never let your guard down!
The true key to safety in the mountains is avoidance of avalanche terrain. If you do choose to venture into these areas, make sure you (and your partners) have the knowledge and skills coupled with the appropriate rescue gear (transceiver, shovel, & probe) to be able to deal with all conditions. Without these skills and knowledge, you are relying on one thing only – LUCK!, (and luck can turn both ways). I always ask myself one question before heading into avalanche terrain, “What am I basing my decisions on today?” If I don’t have adequate information about the terrain, snow-pack, and weather history, I turn around and practice the highly respected mountain travel technique of avoidance!
With proper planning, our mountains are a fine and safe place to play in the winter. Get out and enjoy, but play safe!
Helpful resources:
- Avalanche Canada Bulletins – www.avalanche.ca
- Avalanche Skills Training courses – AST-1 and AST-2 Training Programs
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