Hangfire Avalanche Training

2 months ago

These guys make some great, educational videos and products.In BCA's Send and Return episode 5, BCA ambassador Tim Haggerty and BCA athlete Riley Leboe hit the backcountry around Whistler, BC, but only after checking in on the Avalanche Canada app, identifying the avalanche problem for the day, and managing their terrain to avoid some potential wind slab. Of course, they’re carrying all the right gear, including avalanche transceivers, shovels, probes, avalanche airbags, and BC Link radios. Catching a nice storm after a long, dry spell, they illustrate how fun Plan B can truly be. Watch: bit.ly/2VLb6vQ #backcountryaccess #sendandreturn ... See MoreSee Less

Hangfire Avalanche Training

2 months ago

Consequence thinking is important! Avoid terrain traps!

What happens if? A question that should be asked continuously when making your track choices ski touring. What are the consequences if we release and are caught in an avalanche? Or if an avalanche releases above us.

Terrain traps are terrain formations that make the consequences of being caught in avalanches more serious.
If we go into the statistics of Norwegian avalanche accidents, we see in many (most) cases that the death is a result of terrain traps.

What is a terrain trap?
Some of the most common are:
• River gully
• Cornices
• Cliff
• Rocks
• Trees

If you get caught by an avalanche and end up at the bottom of a river valley and being buried underneath tons of snow masses, there are small chances to survive. If the avalanche carries you off a cliff or you hit rocks or trees along the way, the likelihood of being killed is quite high.
Consequence thinking is a very important part of your safe ski touring life.
Now that spring skiing has its peak season. The corona restrictions are fewer. Sun and pleasant temperatures will make you feel that today you can put your tracks everywhere. But remember; the snow avalanches do not care that you are in a good mood and smile big smiles. Or if you are poor or rich. They take us all!

So think about consequences
During your whole tour. Make safe tracks. Which bring you out and up. But also back home.
The easiest way to avoid the consequences of terrain traps is to avoid avalanche terrain. No avalanche terrain means no terrain traps. ... See MoreSee Less