The first thing to know is most avalanches occur during or just after snowstorms and most occur on a slope of 30 to 45 degrees. A significant snowfall may result in an unstable snowpack. By waiting 36 hours after a big snowstorm you may allow the snow to become more stable. If you stay in valleys away from avalanche chutes, in stands of dense trees, or on gentle slopes you can minimize your avalanche risk.
If you are a skier or snowboarder at a commercial ski area there is little danger of avalanches. However, respect their rules and do not stray out of bounds. Ski areas work to reduce the danger from avalanches within their bounded terrain, but out of bounds a serious avalanche risk may exist. Minimize your risk by staying in bounds.
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors in areas prone to avalanches, you can minimize the danger by following a few simple rules:
- Check the current avalanche forecast to get information on current and forecast avalanche conditions. Also check the latest weather forecast to see if conditoins are likely to change while you are in the backcountry.
- Never travel alone. Always have one or more companions. Even small avalanches can be fatal. If you are alone and get trapped you may not be found until spring.
- If crossing a slope that may be prone to avalanches do it one person at a time. You want to minimize the impact on your party if an avalanche is accidentally releases.
- In avalanche country all members of your party should carry avalanche rescue equipment including and avalanche beacon, shovel and probe pole. This increases your chances of effecting a successful rescue and finding your friends alive.
Winter Weather Preparedness Week continues through Saturday. Now is the time to get prepared for winter so you can safely enjoy the outdoors and travel safely when the snow flies.
This guest blog written by Bob Glancy, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Boulder, Colorado and Greene, Director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
