Experiencing an avalanche firsthand can be one of the most harrowing and dangerous situations that any outdoor enthusiast will ever find themselves in. This powerful force of nature can take a life in the blink of an eye, but proper preparation can help you deal with the situation if it ever arises. From skiing and snowboarding to camping and hiking, those looking to explore snow-capped mountains should keep these five avalanche safety tips in mind before heading out.
Know Before You Go
Before heading out on your adventure, check avalanche ratings and warnings every single time without fail. Inexperienced climbers or those that have been around a specific area for a period of time may think they have a good grasp on the situation of the mountain, but this sort of hubris can be dangerous when heading into the wild.
Check All Factors
Hand in hand with the previous tip is checking on other outside factors that may affect how dangerous the mountainside will be. The longer the snow has been in place the harder packed it will be, but an unreleased drift, sleet, or rain could loosen up the snow before the avalanche warnings and ratings can update.
Inspect Your Surroundings
Keep a close eye on the snow and looking for any or perforations on a snow drift. Even a minor crack could lead to major instability and increase the chance of an avalanche. Look out for avalanche warning signs so you can be aware of the risk in certain areas. If there isn’t a sign, that doesn’t necessarily mean there is no danger of an avalanche, however. Use good judgement.
Be Alert
In addition to using your eyes, listen to the mountain and the snow. Snow that sounds hollow when walking on it is often the sign of a weaker layer underneath and any whumping noises is generally a sign of heavier snow collapsing on weaker snow and is a precursor to a slide.
Protect Yourself
Never head into the outdoors without letting at least one person know where you are going and how long you plan to be there. If no one knows this information, it is less likely that they will come looking for you. Invest in avalanche safety gear that will help you survive and be found.
If the worst does happen and you are caught downhill, it is time to switch into immediate survival mode. One of the most important avalanche safety tips is to cut down the mountain at a 45 degree angle and stay as high up on the snow as possible. The most important thing is to keep the head above snow or to keep your hands in front of your face to create an air pocket, as asphyxiation is one of the most common causes of death during an avalanche.
Image via USDAgov
