Heading outside to the backcountry is becoming ever more popular as a way to enjoy the winter. More and more people are discovering the joys of skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or just playing in the snow far from civilization. Despite the advantages of being out in the backcountry for outdoor recreation, there are several hazards that people can encounter in the wintertime. Hypothermia and frost bite are real threats. Injuries can become life-threatening, and there is no ski patrol that will come by to save you. Getting lost and severe storms are also hazards.
The biggest danger, however, is that of avalanches. According to National Geographic, avalanches kill over 150 people every year, and in the majority of cases, they are triggered by humans. Those caught up in an avalanche hardly ever escape its path since avalanches can travel up to eighty miles an hour. If you are planning to get out in the backcountry this winter for outdoor pursuits, seriously consider bringing along avalanche safely gear. They could save your life and the life of a friend or family member when used properly.
The three most important items to have are a snow shovel, a probe, and an avalanche transceiver. A snow shovel is used to quickly dig out victims that are buried by snow. Avalanche probes are aluminum poles that are also collapsible. Probes are used both to pinpoint a certain search location based on transceiver readings and probe the snow for the avalanche victim. Transceivers are electronic devices that send out signals picked up by searching beacons in order to locate avalanche victims.
Here are the basic steps for rescuing someone who has been buried in the snow using avalanche safety gear:
- Assess the Situation – After an avalanche has occurred, see who among your party is unaccounted for. Make sure the avalanche has completely stopped before you head out into the danger zone and assess whether or not another avalanche could occur. Only go out when it’s safe to do so.
- Use the Transceivers – Switch all of the transceivers within your party into receive mode in order to more quickly locate a victim. Using your transceiver to pick up a victim’s signal, search areas where you are likely to find them, including places below where they were last seen and areas around rocks and trees. Move in the direction towards where the signal gets stronger.
- Probe the Area – Use your probes to mark the area where the transceiver signal is the strongest. Place the probes around the area as guide to begin digging. It might be helpful to try to listen for faint noises from the victim but keep in mind that they could be buried in several feet of snow.
- Start Digging – With your snow shovel, start digging the area you marked out with your probes. Dig downhill from the probes, and if you have more than one person to help with the rescue, dig in shifts. Try to uncover the victim’s head first and get them breathing again as quickly as possible. Don’t attempt to move an avalanche victim until help arrives because of the possibility of other injuries.
Please note that the above steps are to only to give you an idea of how to use avalanche safety gear. The best preparation is frequent practice using these items. If you plan to head out into the backcountry this winter, consider taking a class or workshop to develop those skills and learn more about avalanche risk.