Avalanche danger begins with major snowstorms and wind, creating successive layers of snow pack. But the experts say most avalanches are actually triggered by humans rather than by natural causes.
“Now is the time for snowmobile riders and other high-country trail users to start preparing for the avalanche season,” said Ray Paige, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks trails program specialist.
Paige said the best preparation, especially for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, is to take an avalanche safety course. Course information is available by contacting your local snowmobile club, avalanche advisory center, or land management agency.
Another good safety move is to know the basics about avalanches. About 90 percent of all avalanches start on slopes of 30-45 degrees, above timberline and facing away from prevailing winds. But avalanches will run on small slopes below timberline and in gullies, road cuts, and even small openings in the forest.
“Most large avalanche paths are obvious. Look for an open slope, bowl, or gully above timber,” Paige said. “Bent or damaged trees are a clue to where avalanches have occurred in past years.”
Paige said the best way to avoid an avalanche is to recognize and avoid avalanche terrain, and to travel on the valley floor away from avalanche related features, along ridgetops above avalanche paths, or on slopes of 25 degrees or less. Avoid cornices on ridgetops.
Traveling in avalanche terrain is inviting risk, Paige said. However, good techniques and training can help minimize the risk:
* Climb, descend, or cross avalanche areas one person at a time;
* Cross at the top or bottom of a slope whenever possible;
* Climb or descend a risky area at the edge of the slope rather than in the center;
* Carry and be ready to use avalanche rescue equipment including a snow probe, shovel, and beacon; and
* Turn back or change your route, if you detect unstable snow.
For up-to-date information on conditions, Montana has three avalanche information centers that cover central, southwestern, and northwestern Montana available on the Internet at www.csac.org , or call: 406-587-6981.
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