Transcript
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or backcountry skiers, free riders and snowmobilers
Basic avalanche knowledge
safety academyGuide Book
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The smart-antenna-technology
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A look at the photo tells the attentive observer many actors
about the cause o this avalanche:
weather
terrain
snow cover
human
A lot o new snow combined with wind and
cold temperatures.
Untouched and steep. Probably 30 or more.
A snow slab becomes unstable when there is a
weak layer in the snow cover.
Even when highly motivated, people should always
act responsibly and in a predominantly deensive
manner. The prevalent risk was not detected here.
avalanches and how they are caused
The picture shows the most dangerous type o avalanche
or winter sportspeople, the slab avalanche.
4 Saety Academy Guide Bookavalanches and how they are caused
Photo
RalfHochhauser
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avalanches and what causes them
avalanche factorsWeather
Terrain
Snow covering
Human
backcountry Planning
Avalanche report
Selecting your destination
Avalanche emergency equipment
on the sloPes
Avalanche transceiver partner / group check
Basic ascent principles
Alarm signs
Systematic snow cover analysis
Basic descent principles
Avalanche accidents
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contents
5Saety Academy Guide Bookcontents
Concept
&DesignbyortovoX
(HendrikReschke,StefanieRieder,VolkerHeuer)inTa
ufkirchen,Germany
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slab avalanches
In case o a slab avalanche, snow masses
usually come loose with a linear crack in oes,which suddenly slip down on a sliding layer.
+ Compact snow
(oten drit snow)
+ Poor bond to the layer
underneath (low shear
resistance = weak
snow layer)
+ Steepness (>30)
conditions forslab avalanches
6
Photo
ChristianBrecheis,PatrickNairz
Saety Academy Guide Bookslab avalanches
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how slab avalanches are triggered
An avalanche can be triggered just rom the low additional
load o one person on the snow surace.
ascent1 2 times body weight.
fall6 7 times body weight.
short turn4 5 times body weight.
kick turn2 3 times body weight.
bear in mind: The weight o new snow, rain, warm
temperatures or intense sunshine can also lead to avalanchesbeing triggered naturally!
7
Photo
KlausFengler
Saety Academy Guide Bookhow slab avalanches are triggered
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One o the general conditions to be noted during and ater snowall is the
temperature. Cold, warm air and sunshine have a huge inuence on the
processes o change in the snow cover and also on the avalanche risk.
massive
warming
slow,
moderate
warming
warming
during day -
cooling at
night
cold
long-lasting
major cold
sPell
It is very critical, but its eects can be
easily evaluated.
Helps to set the snow cover and the
bond between the layers.
Causes the snow cover to compact perectly, yet
attention must be paid to the avalanche situation
deteriorating during the course o the day rom east
to west. (Attention in case o snowall ater such a
phase; a critical weak layer is oten ormed)
Preserves existing risks and delays
the setting process.
Fully eases the avalanche situation,
as the structure o the crystals change
and become loose.
avalanche factor Weather - Temperature
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Photo
KlausFengler
Weather - temperatureavalanche factor
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Wind is the ultimate architect o avalanches. Just small amounts o snow
combined with strong wind can lead to a critical avalanche situation.
on the windward side
At the oot o steep ridges
In troughs and gullies
on the lee side
Behind ridges
Under inclination changes
on the lee side
(snowdrit)
on the windward
side
(compacted snow)
bear in mind: On the mountains you should avoid gullies, troughs
and bowls, as snowdrits accumulate here. Just as dangerous are the
lee areas behind ridges, as well as the cornices above them that are
in danger o breaking o.
avalanche factor Weather -Wind
10 Weather - windavalanche factor
Photo
KlausFengler
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Terrain shapes inuence the ormation o avalanches because they have
a crucial inuence on the wind direction and speed and also on the extent
o snow ractures.
gullies, troughs and sloPe changes encourage avalanches. These
shapes o terrain help to orm snowdrits on the lee side and compacted
snow build-ups on the windward side.
task
Trace a route on the terrain picture that presents the lowest
avalanche risk or you and your party.
Solution on the next page.
avalanche factor Terrain -Slope shape
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Photo
ClausStreitschek
Terrain - slope shapeavalanche factor
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The ideal route makes the best use o the terrain shapes that aresae rom avalanches:
ribs, as the snow is oten blown o them and snowdrits hardly
accumulate there
broad ridges, as the wind hardly ever allows snowdrits to orm here either
dePressions,as they support the snow cover by means o small slope shapes
the tour avoids:
steeP sloPes, staying away rom riskier avalanche-prone areas by
maintaining appropriately sae distances.
bowls & gullies, since these are areas where snowdrits can oten accumulate.
cornices, because they can break o unexpectedly at any time. On the leeward side,
underneath the cornice, one oten fnds accumulations o dangerous snowdrits.
avalanche factor Terrain -Slope shape
cornice
steeP!
comPactedsnow
gully
morainew
arning
mostlystee
perthan40
Danger!crevasses
comPactedsnow
avalanche
12 Terrain - slope shapeavalanche factor
Photo
ClausStreitschek
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Due to longer periods o sunshine, south-facing sloPes oten have
a more stable snow cover composition.
Only 30% o all avalanches go o on a southern asPect (SE to SW).
70% o all avalanche accidents happen on north-facing sloPes (W to E)
and 56% in the pure north sector (NW to NE).
The reason or the requency o accidents on these aspects is that the snow
cover sets more slowly due to the low amount of sunshine. Powder,
but also the danger, thereore, remains in place longer.
avalanche factor Terrain -Slope direction
n
ew
s
bear in mind, however, that a critical avalanche situation
oten relates to all asPects!
13
illustr
ationTobiasWandres
avalanche factorTerrain - slope direction
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Around 97% o all avalanche accidents happen on slopes with an inclina-
tion of over 30 (designated in the avalanche report as steep slopes).
In the case o 84% o accidents, the steepest part o the slope
is at least 35.
When determining the steepness o a slope, the steepest part o a slope
that measures at least 10 x 10 m (30 x 30 t) is looked at.
Steepest part o the slope according to topographic map 30 40
avalanche factor Terrain - Slope steepness
Apart rom extremely steep terrain, conditions
generally safe rom avalanches.
- avoid eXtremely steeP terrain
- keeP your distance on slopes that are so steep
that kick turns make them easier to ascend.- cross sloPes over 30 one at a time
- avoid sloPes over 35 in those sloping areas that are
mentioned in the avalanche report or appear particularly
dangerous.
- In addition, in all sloping areas: Behave as at Level 2
- avoid sloPes over 30.- Even in atter areas, bear in mind the possibility o naturally
triggered avalanches rom catchment areas above.
Backcountry skiing, ree riding and snowmobiling
are generally not Possible.
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As a guideline, the ollowing slope steepness can
be seen as sae subject to the avalanche report:
14 terrain - slope steepnessavalanche factor
illustr
ationTobiasWandres
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A snow slab becomes unstable when there is a weak layer
in the snow cover.
The ollowing circumstances have a positive inuence on the
stability o the snow cover:
avalanche factor Snow cover
knowledge of the
ground underneathThe more grassy / at-
tened the ground under-
neath, the higher the risk
o ground avalanches
(usually in spring). Knee
timber, rocky terrain or
orest with trees very
close together reduce
the risk.
number of crossings
Heavily used slopes over
the whole area beore
the last snowall can
reduce sliding layers and
ensure greater stability.
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Photo
MichaelMllerandChristianBrecheis
Snow coveravalanche factor
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humans represent the most imPortant avalanche factor in
recognizing and avoiding the risk o an avalanche. eXPerience,
knowledge, Personal ability and aPProPriate behavior are
contributing actors or triggering avalanches. That is why conscientious
route Planning, attentive observation and risk-conscious decision
making are an essential part o any o-piste activity.
avalanche factor Human
16 Humanavalanche factor
Photo
BerndRitschel
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The basis or preparing any tour is the inormation rom the avalanche
rePort, weather rePort, tour guides and toPograPhic maPs.
Planning a tour
17Saety Academy Guide BookPlanning a tour
Photo
PatrickNairz
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Planning a tour Avalanche report
trigger Probability
Avalanches can generally only be triggered in case o large additional
loads in isolated places on extremely sloping terrain. Only small natural
avalanches are possible.
Possible particularly in case o large additional loads, especially at the
specifed steep slopes. Large natural avalanches are not anticipated.
Avalanches may be triggered by just a small additional load, especially
at the specifed steep slopes. Some medium, but also big natural avalan-
ches in isolated cases are possible.
Avalanches are probable rom just a low additional load on many steep
slopes. Many medium, but also big natural avalanches in isolated cases
can be expected.
Many large natural avalanches can be expected, even on moderately
steep terrain.
19Avalanche reportPlanning a tour
infograPhics
AvalancheWarningServ
iceTyrol
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x. as well as the ortovoX mountain tours
aPP (Bergtouren App) oers you many destinations, which
you can choose according to a wide variety o criteria.The topographic maps shown there are no substitute or
conventional maps, however, with as small a scale as
possible.
When planning, it is essential to choose a route suitable or
the avalanche situation. sloPe steePness, asPect and
avalanche terrain traP must be checked in case o
any danger situation.
tiP: Slope steepness can be read rom tour maps with a
scale o 1:25000 with the aid o the mark on the side.
Planning a tour Selecting your destination
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1000m
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Hangneigung
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4035
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teepnessofslope
20 Selecting your destinationPlanning a tour
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alternative destination
I the conditions ound on the terrain do not match your assumptions,
then an alternative destination planned out in advance is the sae solution.
time Planning
Always allow extra time. The reality in the mountains is usually
dierent rom plans made on the soa.
never go alone
Even minor accidents can have atal consequences..
grouP sizeThe smaller the group, the more exible you are. 8 persons is seen as the
maximum.
grouP aPPearances
Always act responsibly and do not be misdirected into more risk.
consideration
Always act with the weakest skier in mind and show consideration
Planning a tour Tips
21TipsPlanning a tour
Photo
BerndRitschel
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A comPlete set of emergency avalanche equiPment enables you
to locate and save your riends in case o emergency.
Emergency equipment cannot prevent an avalanche or potential burial.
avalanche transceiver
3 antennas and a aggingunction are standard.
shovel
A hacking unction saves
you invaluable time.
Probe
A quick and stable quick-
assembly system is essential.
backPack
Make sure it has an
emergency compartment.
helmet
Now part o the standard
equipment on the slopes.
first-aid kit and
bivouac sack
Can save lives and make
emergencies more bearable.
mobile Phone
You can alert the rescue by
dialing 112 (Europe) / 911 (US)
imPortant
Only a complete set o emergency
avalanche equipment enables you
to locate and save your riends in
case o emergency. Emergency
equipment cannot prevent anavalanche or potential burial.
Planning a tour Emergency avalanche equipment
check list
11min
25min
1-2h
22 Emergency avalanche equipmentPlanning a tour
illustr
ationTobiasWandres
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At the starting point o the tour, the transmitting and receiving unction on
all avalanche transceivers should be checked:
grouP leader check
1. He switches his transceiver to transmit.
2. All others to receive.
grouP check
1. Leader switches to send, all others to receive.
2. The group members walk past the leader one by one 5 m (16 t)
interval.
3. Ater a successul check, the leader also switches to transmission
mode.
before every tour
The batteries should be checked and replaced immediately i necessary.
on the sloPes Avalanche transceiver partner / group check
23Avalanche transceiver partner / group checkon the sloPes
Photo
KllausFengler
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on the sloPes
Adapt your route to the terrain. gullies, troughs and
unnecessary steeP sloPes should be avoided, as they
may hide danger.
Go around snowdrifts and accumulations of
comPacted snow
Get your bearings regularly both on
the terrain and on the maP and keep
a regular check on your tracks.
Actively watch out or alarm
signals or systematically analyze
the snow cover (Page 27).
24 Basic ascent principleson the sloPes
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Basic ascent principles
You should either ascend steeP sloPes
one by one or keep a distance o at least
10 m (30 t).
recent avalanches are clear
indicators o a high risk of
avalanches. Be sure to keep a
sae distance away by giving the
area a large berth.
Check whether the sloPe steeP-
ness matches the danger situation
(see Page 19). A slope measuring
device, the ortovoX s1+ or your
ski poles can be used as measuring
instruments (pendulum method:
x.). You can basically
tell when ascending slopes romapprox. 30 or more, as you will
automatically switch rom arcing to
kick turns.
25Basic ascent principleson the sloPes
Photo
ClausStreitschek
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on the sloPes Alarm signs
watch out: I you are unsure o the danger, you should assess the
layers o snow by means o a systematic snow cover analysis. I
there are still saety concerns, turning back is the only right decision!
cracks
on the snow cover signal
that it is ready to break.
cornices
are a sign o high winds.
Dangerous snowdrits
accumulate on the lee side.
naturally triggered avalanches
usually occur when there is a high avalanche risk. Especially when
the weather warms up in the daytime in spring, they serve as anindicator or danger. Heavy PreciPitation, particularly rain, rises
in temPerature or wind can lead to an increased avalanche risk.
whumPing or settling noises
the dull whumping sound, when the snow settles, indicates the
biggest danger o all. You should abort the tour immediately and
return to sae terrain.
26 Alarm signson the sloPes
Photos
PatrickNairz
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Since the winter o 1998/99, systematic snow cover diagnostics
have been taught in our training courses run by the Bavaria Avalanche
Warning Service.
An attempt is made here, using individual sPot tests (small block
test), to transer certain processes and properties o weak layers to the
area or the individual slope and to then evaluate them.
This kind o diagnosis is very quick and meaningful.
You can fnd the comprehensive descriptions o the systematic snow
cover analysis online at:
x.
on the sloPesSystematic snow cover diagnosis
27Systematic snow cover diagnosison the sloPes
Photo
BerndRitschel
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on the sloPes Basic descent principles
bear in mind: Falls impact the snow cover with 6-7 times
body weight and should be avoided particularly in ridge areasand steep sections!
It is possible to descend in a group only under very sae conditions.
A safety interval o approx. 50 m (160 t) is recommended on any
descent.
In case o less clearly sae conditions, skiers should descend one by
one. The leader should go frst and wait at regular intervals away
from the descent line at asae and protected place(assembly point).
In case o Poor visibility and Poor snow, skiers should descend
in the tracks at sae intervals one ater the other.
Members o the group should watch out for one another.
The leader is not to be Passed.
28 Basic descent principleson the sloPes
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The chance o survival in
the first 15 minutes is
relatively high at 90%, butater that drops drastically.
Only with:
comPlete
emergency equiPment
a fast rescue
oPeration
and lots o training do you
have a realistic chance o
rescuing the victim.
avalanche accident
15
30
60min
29Saety Academy Guide Bookavalanche accident
Photo
KlausFengler
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avalanche accident Help rom companions
I the accident was observed, you should note the Point of
disaPPearance 1 and coordinate the rescue operation without delay.
I there are several helpers, one alerts the rescue service (eu 112 / us 911).
all helpers switch their transceivers to search.
The search area 2 starts at the Point of disaPPearance 1 or
at the avalanche back-uP area.
1
2
30 Help rom companionsavalanche accident
Photo
NorbertPichelsberger
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avalanche accident Help rom companions Signal search
First, you should search the avalanche deposit with your eyes and ears
or objects or partially buried victims.
At the same time, start the signal search.
Depending on the number o helpers, the avalanche deposit is searched
in Parallel (search strip width approx. 40 m, or 130 t), or by meande-
ring with one person searching.
20m
20m20m
40m40m
40m
31Help rom companions - Signal search
Photo
KlausFengler
avalanche accident
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avalanche accident Help rom companions Coarse search
Modern, digital 3-antenna avalanche transceivers will show
you the direction.
You just have to ollow the direction arrow!
Distances that get smaller indicate that you are getting
closer to the victim.
32 Help rom companions - Coarse searchavalanche accident
P
KlausFengler
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avalanche accident Help rom companions Fine search
When 2 - 3 meters (6 - 10 feet) away rom the victim, you have to use
the device to search as close as possible above the surface o the
snow crossways and in straight lines, until you have ound the
lowest value.
The value displayed equates to the victims depth and you
mark the point with crossed Poles.
33Help rom companions - Refned searchavalanche accident
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avalanche accident
Help rom companions Pinpoint location (probing)
(8 in)
Starting rom the crossed Poles, you now probe systematically rom
the inside outwards until you locate the victim.
The probe remains in place and is used or orientation purposes.
Make sure that a possible breathing hole is not trodden on.
tiP: Always probe at a 90 angle to the surace o the snow
34 Help rom companions Pinpoint location (probing)avalanche accident
Photos
KlausFengler
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avalanche accident Help rom companions digging out
Read o the victims dePth rom the probe 1 and walk down the slope
by this fgure and start shovelling in a V-shape.
With several helPers, replace the shoveller at the top ater 1 minute
at the latest.
The positions should be taken as ollows: cut out blocks, shovel, and
clear snow away.
tiP: Shovels with a hacking function can save valuable time here.
first aidclear snow rom the victims mouth and airway immediately
and initiate lie-saving measures (airway, breathing, circulation
abc o lie-saving)
Do not move the victim too much and warm them gently or
protect them rom getting colder.
Feed with warm, sugary liquid
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