You can reduce your chances of being caught in an avalanche during winter mountain hikes by keeping the following tips in mind.
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You Will Need
- Good weather
- Gentle slopes
- Windward ridges
- Tree-covered terrain
- Collapsible shovel
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Step 1
Avoid hiking after storm
Avoid hiking immediately after a storm. Most avalanches occur at the time of or shortly after a heavy snowfall.
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Step 2
Avoid steep slopes
Avoid slopes with pitches greater than 25 degrees.
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Tip
If you must traverse a steep slope, cross at the highest point possible, one person at a time.
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Step 3
Stay to the windward side of ridges
Stay on the windward side of gently sloping ridges. The snow is usually thinner there.
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Step 4
Avoid treeless slopes
Avoid treeless slopes and gullies. The absence of trees may reflect that previous avalanches have occurred in the area.
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Step 5
Watch for cracks
Watch for cracks or small slabs that have sheared off.
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Step 6
Listen
Listen for hollow or thumping noises as you walk.
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Step 7
Dig snow pits
Use a collapsible shovel to dig frequent snow pits. As you check the structure of the snowpack, be on the lookout for weak layers.
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Fact
In 1970, an avalanche in Peru killed nearly 20,000 people.
