The introduction to avalanches, statistics and contributing factors. Listening to the daily avalanche report is very
important. The International Avalanche Danger Scale is Low – generally stable snow, Moderate – unstable slabs
possible on steep terrain. Human triggered avalanches possible, Considerable – human and natural avalanches
possible. Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain, High – Natural and human triggered avalanches likely. Unstable
slabs likely on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Safest travel on
windward ridges of lower angle slopes without steeper terrain above, Extreme – extremely unstable slabs certain on
most aspects and slope angles. Large, destructive avalanches possible. Widespread natural or human triggered
avalanches certain. Travel in avalanche terrain should be avoided and travel confined to low angle terrain well way
from avalanche path run-outs. The website for all avalanche information centers and forecasts is www.avalanche.org.
The five signs of instability:
1. Significant snowfall in the last 24 hours.
2. Recent natural avalanches on the same aspect.
3. Wind. Know which slopes are getting wind loaded with snow and which slopes have been wind loaded.
4. Collapsing or cracking of the snow.
5. Rapid rise in temperature.
Avalanche Gear for Snowmobilers
1. Avalanche knowledge
a. contributing factors to avalanches
b. signs of instability
c. recognizing avalanche terrain and terrain traps
d. identifying trigger points
e. escape routes/ group dynamics
f. how to rescue effectively
g. stability analysis
h. knowledge of the area: slide history, avalanche report, recent snowfall, wind loading
2. Backpack – you will always have your gear with you if you get separated from your sled. Get a pack that fits and
doesn’t interfere with arm movement.
3. Avalanche beacon – digital, 457khz, proven design and easy to use. Spare batteries. Practice with it often.
4. Shovel – large metal blade, extendable handle, solid design.
5. Avalanche Probe – to pinpoint the location of the buried person. Also in case the beacon fails, the person does
not have a beacon and to locate sled. 260cm (8’6”) or longer.
6. Map and compass – The ability to use it. Store in zip lock bag. Do not rely on GPS alone.
7. Flagging – Used to mark last seen point, areas searched and your trail in and out.
8. Repair kit for snowmobile – spare belt, plugs and tools.
9. Strobe – easier to be found with one.
10. First aid/survival kit – have a fire starter/heat packs. Have first aid and CPR training.
11. Extra clothes – if someone is caught in a slide, they will probably need gloves and a hat. You will need extra
gloves, socks and layers after shoveling. Mr. Duffy suggested a down vest – easy and light to pack.
12. Food and water – eat and stay hydrated to keep warmer.
13. Bivy sack – survive the night or keep injured person warm until help arrives.
14. Headlamp – LED
15. Communication – Cell phones may not work in valleys and remote areas. Helmet communicators let you keep in
touch with your group if separated or stuck, relay information about avalanche conditions and oncoming slides. Hand
held radios may also be used.
16. Saw – for firewood and getting sled out of tree wells.
17. Other items – Spot light, GPS, avalanche airbag pack, Tekvest and Snobunje.
18. Let someone know where you are riding and when you will be back.
The class also featured avalanche survival and rescue with and without beacons methods backcountry group
dynamics, terrain evaluation/terrain traps, preparing for your trip, what do if lost or injured, stability tests and
scenarios. It was an excellent presentation and really made a person think.