Added: 01/20/2006 |
The Nature of Snow Avalanches and Basic Rules How to Avoid ThemAs reports the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, nearly 89 percent of victims are male aged 20-29. It is a proven fact that climbers, skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and other mountain enthusiasts are far more likely to be injured in snow avalanches.
One of the main reasons for increased avalanche-related accidents is the growth of mountain and recreation industries. Because hiking, skiing, and other winter sports attract more and more people worldwide, a great number of roads, towns and sport facilities are build in avalanche prone areas. Though a snow avalanche may occur on any slope, where the right conditions are maintained, certain localities are more dangerous than others.
The largest number of avalanche-related fatalities takes place at the end of winter - beginning of spring, when the snowfall amounts are highest in mountain areas. However, a great number of such accidents occur in May and June, affecting sport enthusiasts off-guard. Currently, the United States belongs to the countries that suffer greatly from snow avalanches. During the period of 1950-1997, 514 accidents and 235 victims have been reported in 16 US states. About one third of these fatalities occurred in Colorado.
Snow avalanche conditions are created by various combinations of such factors as weather, temperature, wind direction, slope orientation, vegetation and terrain. Some of these conditions may change on a daily basis, so that the trip, safe when you begin it, may turn out to be dangerous throughout the day. For this reason it is necessary to evaluate surroundings as they change. Most often snow avalanches occur within 24 hours after a storm. Consequently, it is important to be informed not only about current weather conditions, but also those from the previous several days. Snowfall amounts are likely to create dangerous situations, causing avalanches large enough to cause destruction and block highways.
One of the most significant factors is the development of the snowpack over the season. Not only can it change during winter, but throughout a single day, owing to rapidly changing weather and wind conditions. In the majority of cases, snow avalanche occurs on slopes between 30 and 45 degrees. However, any slope angle can be prone to it under the right conditions. Forested areas are generally safer than open spaces, though not all the vegetation is considered to be protective.
Avoiding snow avalanche is easier than surviving them. Before starting on your journey make sure you've taken safety measures. In addition to weather and terrain conditions, proper equipment can be decisive in rescue efforts. For this reason consider a proper avalanche snowboard, portable shovels, ski-pole probes and avalanche beacons - the rescue device, used by ski-area operators and provide the fastest and easiest way to contact a victim. Using such devices requires practice. Because many victims of snow avalanche didn't use them properly, rescues couldn't locate them in time. Knowing about the conditions, which may cause avalanche and basic safety tips will help you enjoy your favorite sport safely.
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