Backcountry snowmobiling is, in my opinion, one of the most enjoyable activities of winter. It brings its share of challenges, risks, and rewards. My goal today is to discuss the dangers of avalanches, and the preparation needed to ensure your backcountry adventures remain just as rewarding. We’ll start by looking at the avalanche safety training provided by Adrénaline Hors Piste. Then, we’ll cover basic concepts and some essential tools to help you prepare for your mountain outings.
“Training Is for Others!”
For others? But who are these “others”? “Others” could be those venturing west to experience the Rockies, where avalanche risks are ever-present. “Others” could also be your buddies, for whom your knowledge and readiness could make all the difference. Whether you’re riding in the Chic-Chocs, Monts Groulx, or any other area with avalanche-prone conditions, being educated and equipped is fundamental. It can make a life-saving difference.
Can You Answer the Following Questions?
- Do you know how to identify terrains most susceptible to avalanches?
- Are you aware of the snowpack conditions in the area where you’re riding?
- Do you know if it’s dangerous to venture into demanding or complex terrain after the recent snowfall?
- Can you identify potential avalanche-related problems in the area?
- Do you know how long it takes for snow to stabilize after a storm?
- Are you familiar with the proper technique for shovelling in an avalanche deposit?
- Do you know how to organize an autonomous search?
That’s a lot of questions! So, how do you prepare yourself to answer them? One solution is to take an avalanche safety course.
There’s a specific course for snowmobilers (AST-1 Snowmobiling) offered in Québec by Adrénaline Hors Piste in collaboration with Avalanche Québec. This two-day training covers both theoretical and practical aspects of avalanche safety. It’s a wealth of information to help you better face the mountain’s challenges. Details on how to register can be found on Adrénaline Hors Piste’s website, with references included below.
One of the key aspects of the course is teaching you how to independently manage dangerous situations, enabling autonomous rescue efforts. Let’s look at four essential components of good preparation.
The Basics of Autonomous Avalanche Search and Rescue
When someone is buried in an avalanche, time is of the essence. A victim has a high chance of survival if rescued within the first 10 minutes (around 80%). However, those chances drop significantly after that, plummeting to less than 10% after 35 minutes.
This underscores the need for efficiency. To respond effectively in such situations, it’s essential to have the proper equipment and know how to use it.
If one or more members of your snowmobiling group are buried in an avalanche, you cannot rely on external help arriving quickly.
What Does “Autonomous” Search Mean?
Autonomous search means that you and your group must be equipped and mentally prepared to carry out the rescue independently. Success requires the right mental reflexes and necessary equipment, which I’ll cover in a future article—stay tuned!
This is why an avalanche safety course is non-negotiable. It prepares you for extreme situations and helps you develop good habits without the added stress of holding someone’s life in your hands. These skills could be the difference between life and death during a crisis.
Using Avalanche Bulletins Effectively
One of the habits you should adopt is consulting weather forecasts and avalanche bulletins. These resources provide invaluable information about conditions in the areas you plan to visit. Always check bulletins for your intended location before heading out.
Altitude Levels and Danger Ratings
Bulletins detail avalanche danger across three altitude levels: alpine, tree line, and below tree line. Danger ratings include low, moderate, considerable, high, and extreme. Use these ratings to decide whether a terrain is safe to navigate.
For example:
If today’s alpine altitude danger rating is “high” due to recent heavy snowfall, it would be wise to avoid alpine terrain. Instead, focus on areas with safer ratings. After a few days, when the snow has stabilized and ratings improve, returning to alpine terrain may be a safer option.
Understanding Your Sector and Associated Problems
Bulletins also highlight the three primary avalanche problems for the region. Studying these details helps you understand what specific dangers to watch for, including the altitudes and slopes most at risk.
Explaining avalanche problems in detail would take much longer, but as a starting point, I recommend taking a AST-1 course and consulting Avalanche Canada for detailed resources.
The Influence of Weather on Avalanche Risk
It’s crucial to check weather bulletins before heading out, as weather conditions significantly affect avalanche hazards. Heavy snowfall of at least 30 cm, sudden warm spells, rain, and wind greatly impact the snowpack and its stability. This is why it’s essential to know not only what has fallen on the mountain but also what is expected to fall.
Keep in mind that snow remains less stable for up to 48 hours after it falls. Consequently, danger ratings typically don’t decrease until the third day following a storm.
Additionally, wind can transport snow across the mountain, creating wind slabs on certain slopes. These slabs form as snow is swept from one area to another, accumulating substantial thickness and posing significant risks.
Communication: An Essential Tool for Managing Mountain Risks
Mutual support among riders is key. Before your ride, discuss your plans as a group. Take time to clarify the terrain you’ll traverse, inventory the equipment on hand, and, most importantly, determine how you’ll communicate throughout the activity.
This may seem trivial, but knowing, for instance, that one rider lacks a shovel, or another doesn’t have an avalanche transceiver can influence your decisions. Encourage the group to minimize risks, opting for terrains that suit your level of preparation. Use this time also to raise awareness among riders who might not fully understand the dangers.
Good communication also allows you to retreat from risky situations. For instance, if you spot signs of recent avalanches on the mountain, alert your group. Consider moving to another area—putting your lives at risk isn’t worth it. The key is to recognize hazards and control risks as a team.
Training Outside of Québec
The training of Adrénaline Hors Piste is only offered in the province of Québec. If you live elsewhere in Canada, a training program is available on Avalanche Canada.
Be Prepared to Face Mountain Challenges
Finally, I strongly encourage you to develop the skills needed to reduce risks and avoid leaving your adventures to chance. Remember the key points from this article:
- Prepare adequately by studying weather and regional avalanche bulletins. Avoid certain areas or elevations when conditions are unfavourable or danger ratings are too high.
- Be ready to change plans if the mountain shows signs of instability.
- Ensure you have the necessary equipment for autonomous search and rescue, and practice using it.
I’ll dive deeper into essential equipment in a future article, so stay tuned! In the meantime, stay safe and enjoy your time in the mountains.
Useful Links
- Sign up for the Adrénaline Hors Piste Avalanche Safety Course here (Québec only).
- Sign up for Avalanche Canada Training Program Courses (rest of Canada).
- Explore the Avalanche Canada Interactive Map here.
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