In the Denver metro, we don’t stop playing outside when it snows. We just change to winter gear. This outward-facing characteristic is what leads us to be among the healthiest people in the United States. However, our love for sports does put us at risk on occasion.
If we are going to enjoy the slopes, avalanches are the first and most dangerous event we need to learn about and potentially prevent. With just a little caution, your ski trip never has to end in telling the EMT, “It sounded like a good idea at the time.” For being beautiful, white forces of nature, avalanches can do a surprising amount of damage. There have been avalanches recorded that covered entire houses. But don’t lose heart. Avalanches don’t “strike without warning” like the news would have us believe. Most avalanches, especially deadly ones, are triggered by their victims. So, how do we keep from causing an avalanche, and is there any hope if we do?
Preparation, Knowledge, and Wisdom
There are several ways in which avalanches are mitigated. Ski patrol (not you or I) trigger small avalanches with explosives in non-populated areas to lessen the opportunity for a bigger avalanche to form. In addition, landowners use fencing and netting to change the way snow forms to alleviate issues. Recently, remotely operated exploding gas systems have been installed on Loveland Pass and Berthoud Pass to mitigate avalanches over the roads. These techniques are carefully administered and help make our snow adventures safer, but what steps can you can take to increase your odds of avoiding / surviving an avalanche?
Before you set out to ski or snowboard in the backcountry, it is super important to know what you are doing. We heavily recommend taking an avalanche class — speaking from experience they are really fun and interesting. Once you are up to speed and ready to go, it is a good idea to check the weather and Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC ) forecasts. While you are suiting up, wear an avalanche transceiver (also called a beacon). Your beacon should be under your outer-most layer of clothes, must have fresh batteries, and be set to “transmit.” A cheap inclinometer can be purchased at most outdoor supply companies to measure the angle of the slope. Be looking for fracture lines, hollow sounds, and what is described as a “whumphing” sound. All of these are hints that an avalanche may be likely. Here is a tutorial on performing the three kinds of tests (shovel, compression, and shear) to gauge the likelihood of an avalanche on the day you are skiing, snowboarding, or snow shoeing. Click here for some more avalanche information.
Survival Tips
What happens if you do all of these steps and still you find yourself in the middle of the rushing snow? You try to avoid the three main culprits in avalanche deaths (physical trauma, suffocation or hypothermia). Try to get out of the path of the coming snow if you can. Only call for friends ONCE, as you want your mouth closed so snow can’t get in there. Abandon your equipment immediately once you realize what is going on. Use swimming motions to get to the surface of the avalanche. Try to grab trees in order to get away from the snow. If you are still in the throes of the snow, as you notice it slowing down, cup your hand over your mouth for an air pocket. Put any part of your body through the snow, so rescuers can find you. Staying calm, though difficult, is what is needed if you are buried in the snow. The average person can live for 18 minutes if completely buried in snow, so remain calm and conserve your energy.
I don’t want to be all doom-and-gloom, but I do wish for everyone to enjoy the mountains around Denver without a catastrophe. To return home from an adventure is always the goal. With the classes, gear, and information, you can feel safe exploring the snow covered peaks in this great state we all call home.
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