Avalanche Survival Guide

KALMONT AVALANCHE RESCUE

3 FACTS OF AVALANCHE

Snow is deposited in successive layers as the winter progresses. These layers may have dissimilar physical properties and an avalanche occurs when one layer slides on another (Surface Avalanche), or the whole snow cover slides on the ground (Full-Depth). In practice, any snow slide big enough to carry a person down, is important. Avalanche configurations are illustrated in the SAIS "Avalanche Recording Form".

Solo travellers in avalanche terrain run particularly grave hazards; skiers are in greater danger than walkers - the lateral cutting action of skis readily releases unstable snow. All off-piste skiers should use avalanche transceivers and have them SWITCHED ON before leaving base. They should carry collapsible probes and shovels. Climbers and walkers should consider the use of these items.

British Columbia
Alberta & Quebec
         Other

As of the winter of 2007, at least 702 avalanche fatalities have occurred in Canada since the earliest recorded incident in 1782. 60% occurred in British Columbia (BC), 25% in Alberta and Quebec. The reminder 10% occured in other provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador. The remainder occurred in Ontario, Nova Scotia and the Yukon, Northwest and Nunavut Territories.

PREPARATION

RIGHT EQUIPMENT

MEASURE THE ANGLE

WEATHER PLAYS A ROLE

TAKE TRAINING COURSES

SELF RESCUE

If Got Toppled

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

Once the snow topples you, “swim” to try to stay on top of the snow. You may have heard that you should swim like you’re bodysurfing a wave, but that will actually take you towards the “toe” of the avalanche (the tip of the avalanche debris) which is the most turbulent zone of the avalanche—not a place you want to be. Instead, you want to roll to your back with your feet pointed downhill. Do the backstroke and try to head uphill.

If Got Buried

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

Once the avalanche stops moving, it will begin to set around you like concrete. So your window for taking any kind of action is very small. Immediately create an air pocket by putting your arm across your face—this gives you a little room to breathe. As the snow begins to set up, take a big breath. If you’re near the surface, try to reach an arm or leg up to penetrate it; this will obviously make finding you a lot easier.

PARTNER RESCUE

LOOK

for any signs of victims.

LISTEN

for any sounds.

PROBE

the most likely burial spots.

Dig in One

shift downhill from the probe, about 1.5 times the length of the depth the buried victim, and start digging into the side of the slope, straight into the buried person

Dig in Group

if you have a big group of available diggers (3 or more), use the “V-shaped conveyer belt” method.