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KRNV News Channel 4 and REMSA present...
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Air Date: 2/24/2003
QuickTime plug-in required
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Avalanches don't happen by accident and most human involvement is a matter of choice, not chance.
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Most avalanche accidents are caused by slab avalanches which are triggered by the victim or a member of the victim's party.
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Any avalanche may cause injury or death and even small slides may be dangerous.
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Always practice safe route finding skills, be aware of changing conditions, and carry avalanche rescue gear.
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Learn and apply avalanche terrain analysis and snow stability evalution techniques to help minimize your risk.
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Remember that avalanche danger rating levels are only general guidelines. Distinctions between geographic areas, elevations, slope aspect and slope angle are approximate and transition zones between dangers exist. No matter what the current avalanche danger there are avalanche safe areas in the mountains.
Mostly stable snow exists in the backcountry and avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets on steep snow-covered open slopes and gullies. Backcountry travel is generally safe. |
Areas of unstable snow exist in the backcountry and avalanches are possible on steep snow-covered open slopes and gullies. Backcountry users should use caution. |
unstable slab layers are probable on steep terrain. Natural avalanches are possible, while human triggered avalanches are probable. Backcountry travelers should be very cautious in steeper terrain. Be aware of potentially dangerous areas of unstable snow. |
Unstable snow exists in the backcountry. Avalanches are likely on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Safest travel is on windward ridges of lower angle slopes without steeper terrain above. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. |
| Widespread areas of unstable snow exist in the backcountry and avalanches are certain on some snow-covered open slopes and gullies. Large destructive avalanches are possible. Backcountry travel should be avoided. |
the following acronyms when out in the Sierra during the winter --
" before you go." and "Go on the snow."
ind of terrain: will you be traveling on
trails, bushwhacking? What is the possibility you'll cross avalanche terrain?
eed gear?: repair
kits for your various means of travel (snow-mo, skis, snowshoes, etc.),
stove, avalanche transceivers, shovels, avalanche probes, food/H2O, maps,
compass/GPS
vernight contingencies:
Are you prepared to spend the night if you have to? Who knows where you're
going and when you're expected to return?
eather: What's it
going to do? What's it been doing? (as this has a profound effect on snowpack
stability and, consequently, avalanches) If your party is delayed, can
you wait it out?
afety equipment: have you got it all? Is it in working order? Do you and EVERYONE in your party know how to use it?
ocal knowledge: Talk to locals who know this terrain and have experience with it. They may know if it has a history of sliding. They will also have information regarding recent weather conditions.
pinion on snow stability: get experienced input. www.avalanche.org has bulletins. USFS will have bulletins. Take a class to enhance your own knowledge. You can't have an opinion if you don't know what you're talking about.
eather/Wait:
Have there been recent storms to add weak layers to the snow pack? Have
there been recent dramatic changes in the temperature? What's the Pacific
got in store for us? If things don't look great, be sure to wait!
- Remain calm
- Call 9-1-1, state your name, where you were when you got lost
- Stay put
- Find safe area to keep warm
Central Sierra Avalanche Information
450
Edison Way 
Reno,
Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax
(775)858-5720
Schwartz