Avalanche Safety

Presentation Outline Avalanche Introduction Recognize Red Flags Identify Avalanche Terrain Travel Safely SAR Protocol Perform a Rescue Additional Resources

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Avalanche Triangle

Recognize Red Flags Recent avalanches Signs of unstable snow as you travel Heavy snowfall or rain in the past 24 hrs. Wind blown snow Significant warming or rapidly increasing temperatures Persistent weak layers

Identify Avalanche Terrain Slope angle (30-45 degrees) Slope aspect, shape and profile Vegetation Trees and rocks Terrain traps

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Travel Safely Check forecast Carry proper equipment Identify avalanche terrain Travel ridgelines Avoid terrain traps One at a time on suspect slopes Don’t travel above your partner

Rescue Protocols ICS ◦Go/No-go decision ◦Strategy and Assignments ◦Communications Safety Check ◦Minimum PPE ◦Lookout On-scene ◦Commander ◦Safe zones, escape routes ◦Appropriate search techniques

Perform a Rescue PLS Initiate voice contact Look for clues Beacon search Probe search Shoveling

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Additional Resources Utah Avalanche Forecast Center Avalanche Essentials – Bruce Tremper Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain – Bruce Tremper BCA -