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Rocky Mountain Ramblers Association

Trip Report
Trip Date:
20-Nov-2021
Activity:
Off-Trail skiing
Trip name:
Avalanche risk management refresher
Coordinator:
Clifton
Report:

The group met at the Continental Divide parking lot at 10:15, then traveled to the highway borrow area immediately south of the entrance to Chickadee Valley. We had long and valuable discussions on how not to have to use the avalanche rescue gear (not safety gear). We went through the topics to discuss prior to trips into backcountry avalanche terrain, using Chickadee Valley as an example, including the processes of:

a) noting observations (weather, avi ratings details, terrain (maps, AETS), evidence of avi activity, MCR reports, MIN reports, signs of instability, snowpack info, pits, the group, as well as uncertainties);

b) risk assessment (types of avalanches expected; sizes possible, where possible, likelihood and consequences; and

c) mitigation and management options and strategy (limiting exposure, overhead hazard, loading, group mind-set, where to go, where not to go, etc.)

Time was spent on the importance of communication and group management. Reference was made to the use of tools such as the Avaluator, ALPTRUTH, Facets.

Then we set about burying target beacons, searching and finding them as a team. Scenarios were set up and practiced - reference to the Companion Rescue steps 1 through 11.

The experience of the participants made it a team refresher for all. There was approximately 30-40cm of snow in the lower valley, all becoming a bit "sugary" - barely enough for the rescue practice.

Participants: Clifton, David, Cathy, Chris, Peter. Sorry - no photos