I wanted to try and write a quick read/informative post about protecting yourself in avalanches, but to be honest it wouldn’t do you justice, so instead, Randy helped put together some great websites where you can learn more about being safe in the backcountry.
Right now with the season changing is the time when avalanches change as well. Now there is a danger for what are called “wet avalanches.” This is when parts of the snow pack start to melt creating tiny little water arteries all throughout the snow and when they join forces they cut large slabs of snow out of the mountain, thus an avalanche.
For most of you who go to resorts and stay on the slopes you should be fine, but for those of you chasing the backcountry and trying to extend the season, I hope you take the precautions to protect yourself. This is done through training (here’s a list of FREE courses happening this month), having the proper gear (airbags, beacons, recco) and traveling in groups with shovels and other gear.
Avalanches are Utah’s number 1 killer above floods and lightning, but you are obviously at a much greater risk if you fall into the backcountry set. Please take a moment to study up. It could save your life or your friend’s life, now cue up the music for “The More You Know!”
http://utahavalanchecenter.org/
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/
http://adventuretravel.about.com/od/extremesnowsports/qt/avalancheaware.htm
http://www.skiutah.com/winter/snow_report/utah-ski-areas/snow-report
http://www.recco.com/avalanche-awareness
