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Rocky Mountain Ramblers Association

Trip Report
Trip Date:
27-Nov-2020
Activity:
Avalanche Safety Practice
Trip name:
Avalanche risk management refresher
Coordinator:
Clifton
Report:

The group met at the Boom Lake trail parking lot at 09:30. The weather - mild temperatures but a very strong wind, so seemed much colder, especially when standing around. At first, we all participated in a worthwhile discussion about safety in avalanche terrain - focus on processes and tools we can use to stay safe and hopefully never be involved in an avalanche. We discussed:

  • planning, information sources, assessment/analysis of information, communications, and decision making,
  • weather, snowpack observations, avi forecasts and details, MCRs, MINs, terrain, ATES,
  • likelihood and consequences, Avaluator (1 and v2.0), ALPTRUTH, F.A.C.E.T.S, uncertainties, complexities
  • decision-making, mitigation and management techniques.

Then we split into groups to all practice rescue procedures using our beacons, shovels and probes. And finally we participated in a multi-burial scenario (2) - choosing a leader, assessing safety, defining search areas, organizing the resources available, and finally conducting the rescues. Generally, this was done quickly and efficiently. This was followed by a brief de-brief.

The area has limited space close by the parking lot for practicing - for a small group, no problems, but likely not good for more than 10 people. Snow depth was adequate, but a deeper snowpack would have made it more real.

Thanks to an enthusiastic group of participants: Carl,Shirley,Inge,Ulrike,Mark,Fiona,Toshiko,Gary,Andre,Tina, and c/sClifton