This week’s recent snow and spring conditions should be having us thinking about avalanche awareness. Mountain recreation is booming these days which has lead to an increase in avalanche related incidents. Whether skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing, avalanche awareness is important. It’s also important to know that, although rare, avalanches can occur on the resort as well. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro or a rookie, it’s always a good idea to brush up on avalanche awareness and training.
There are several factors that can affect the likelihood of an avalanche. Current weather, temperature, and wind direction are some conditions to keep in mind. In addition, slope steepness, slope orientation (whether the slope is facing north or south), and terrain are important considerations as well. Other factors include vegetation, and general snowpack conditions. The Crested Butte Avalanche Center provides local observations and weather conditions in addition to avalanche reports.
Crested Butte has become a mecca for winter snowsports. Taking an AIARE course is one of the first things you should consider before heading into the backcountry. Irwin Guides offers several AIARE Courses throughout the year. The AIARE Level 1 Course focuses on learning how to recognize hazards, how to manage and minimize them, and finally how to respond in case of an emergency. The AIARE Level 2 Course is designed specifically to meet the needs of advanced students who have taken an AIARE Level 1 course.
Here are some additional resources for planning your next backcountry adventure:
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