Understanding hazards may save your life!

• Slopes with wind-deposited snow
• Slopes steeper than 30 degrees
• Slopes near or above the tree lines
• Clearings and areas with little or no trees

• Recent or heavy rain and or snow
• High winds
• Rapidly changing temperatures
• Most avalanches occur during or after a storm

• Previous avalanches in same area
• Hollow or "Whumping" sounds
• Cracks in snow

Slope Angle- Dangerous avalanches are most common between 30' and 45', ideal skiing, boarding and snowmobiling slopes.

Orientation to Wind- Lee slopes are a potential hazard because wind deposited snow often creates unstable slabs.  Windward slopes generally have less snow, which is compacted and are usually more stable, in the absence of wind, slopes of any aspect may avalanche.  Slope profile, orientation to sun and the presence of trees all influence avalanche potential and are topics covered in an avalanche course.

Most people are caught in slab avalanches.  A slab is a large area of cohesive snow which separates from more stable snow or ground cover, leaving a well-defined fracture line.  Slab avalanche potential exists when relatively strong, cohesive snow overlies weaker snow or is not well bonded to an underlying layer.

Research the route and its hazards; known slides, cornices, cliffs and crevasses.

Check the weather and avalanche danger. Have an alternate trip choice.

Consider group makeup. Beacon compatibility, experience, fitness level and group size.

• Keep a light pack on
• Discard a heavy pack
• Discard all other equipment
• Make swimming motions
• Stay on top
• Work your way out to the side
• Before coming to a stop make an air pocket in front of your face
• Try to dig out
• Push an arm up
• To determine which way is up spit.

IT IS EASIER TO AVOID

AN AVALANCHE

THAN TO SURVIVE ONE

VICTIMS HAVE LESS THAN 30 MINUTES OF AIR

** This information was taken from the Canadian Avalanche Centre's pamphlet on avalanches.