Avalanche Safety 101

Avalanche Safety 101

Witnessing and being in an Avalanche can be quite shocking. Avalanches are so spontaneous and they can go from 0 mph to over 100 mph within seconds. They are super dangerous and can be life threatening. Yet, there are ways you can reduce your chances of encountering them and ways to survive if you do get caught in one. Let's learn about how we can be ready and prepared for any Avalanche striking.

How does an Avalanche occur?
An Avalanche occurs when a layer of snow collapses and slides down a slope such as a mountain or hill.

What causes an Avalanche?
Snowstorm or wind direction, heavy snowfall, human activity, vibrations or movements, steep slops, warm temperatures, or different stacked layers of snow and ice.

What angle do most Avalanches happen at?
Most Avalanches occur between 22 degrees and 55 degrees for the slope angle, and at the highest around 35 to 36 degrees.

When do Avalanches occur the most?
Usually around the spring and winter when snowfall is the highest. 

What are the top causes of death from an Avalanche?
Asphyxia is the top cause of death from an Avalanche which is a slow form of carbon dioxide poisoning, and then trauma from the fall and hypothermia.

How can you avoid an Avalanche?
Avoid hiking after a storm, avoid slopes with pitches greater than 25 degrees, stay to the windward sides of ridges, avoid treeless slopes, watch for cracks or slabs, listen for hollow or thumping noises as you walk, and dig snow pits to be on the lookout of weak layers.

What devices can you use to save yourself if you get caught in one?
Avalanche transceiver, Snow Probe, Snow Shovel, Safeback SBX, or Airbag Pack. Make sure to practice using any of these before hand so you know how to handle it so when the time comes you are ready!

What is the survival rate for an Avalanche?
If a victim can be rescued within 18 minutes, the survival rate is around 91 percent. Then between 19 to 35 minutes the survival rate drops to around 34 percent. After 1 hour, only 1 in 3 victims are found alive in the avalanche. So if you witness one, and see someone get caught in it. It is crucial to spot the victim and tell the rescue team as soon as possible!

Avalanches are no joke! So I would recommend taking an Avalanche safety course if you plan on going into the backcountry or just want to be more educated if you are new to hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, or snowboarding in the winter. You never know when one could pop up, but if you know the signs ahead of time then you will have a safe experience on the mountain!


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Sources:
National Geographic. Avalanche. Website: www.nationalgeographic.org. July 25, 2023.
REI. Avalanche Safety and Gear Check. Website: www.rei.com. November 24, 2020.
Simon Fraser University. Causes of Avalanche. Website: www.MtKalmont.com.