UCalgary Outdoor Centre offers tips to minimize travel risk in wake of backcountry avalanche warnings

The snowpack in western Canada is extraordinarily weak this yr and these harmful situations are anticipated to persist for the remainder of the season.

“It will be significant for any out of doors fanatic heading into the backcountry to know why these situations exist and find out how to reduce the danger,” stated mountain information Paul Chiddle, supervisor of the College Calgary Outdoor Centre,

Why these situations exist

The snowpack in western Canada has been affected by an absence of snow and chilly climate, resulting in the formation of weak layers which can be susceptible to triggering massive, harmful avalanches. These weak layers are buried deep sufficient that there are few indicators of instability, making them troublesome to detect.  

Many avalanches this winter have been triggered from a distance, indicating that the weak layers within the snowpack are widespread, interconnected, and unstable. These layers, significantly in wind-affected areas and rocky terrain, usually tend to be triggered when they’re shallowly buried.

“This yr’s snowpack is completely different from most earlier years,” writes Mike Conlan, an avalanche forecaster, on the Avalanche Canada web site. “Professionals with many years of expertise recommend this weak of a snowpack is barely seen as soon as each 10 to twenty years for a lot of western Canada. Some professionals are evaluating this snowpack to 2003, which was one of many worst years on document for avalanche fatalities.” 

“An avalanche triggered on these layers is prone to be massive in dimension and might be deadly for these caught in it,” added Chiddle, a 21-year veteran of backcountry guiding.

Handle the danger 

The easiest way to handle the danger of avalanches is thru conservative terrain alternative. Keep away from high-consequence terrain in any respect prices and, the place doable, journey on slopes with a slope angle of lower than 30 levels whereas remaining vigilant of the terrain above and beneath you. 

“This can be very necessary to be cautious and proceed with this mindset even in periods of lowered or no avalanche exercise,” stated Chiddle.

Necessary tricks to planning for journey within the backcountry

1. Assess the danger: Earlier than heading out to the backcountry, assess the danger and collect as a lot data as doable in regards to the present situations, together with the avalanche forecast, snowpack and climate, and terrain and group talents and expertise. See the Avalanche Canada forecast map for situation updates. 

2. Make a plan: Primarily based in your danger evaluation, provide you with a plan for find out how to safely journey by way of the terrain. This may contain selecting a distinct route or altering your plans altogether.

3. Implement secure journey strategies: Use secure journey strategies comparable to spacing out, travelling separately and being conscious of your environment to cut back the danger of being caught in an avalanche.

4. Repeatedly reassess the danger: Situations can change rapidly, so it is very important repeatedly reassess the danger and alter your plans as wanted.

5. Be ready for emergencies: Carry vital emergency gear, comparable to shovels, probes, and transceivers, and know find out how to use them in case of an avalanche. Have a plan in place for what to do within the occasion of an avalanche, together with find out how to carry out a rescue and get assist if wanted.

6. Take into account extra coaching: Whether or not you’re new to or skilled in backcountry journey. It will present priceless information and expertise to soundly navigate terrain and cut back the danger of an avalanche. Be ready for journey in avalanche terrain by taking vital precautions. Browse avalanche skills training on the Outside Centre.