Venturing into snowy backcountry terrain offers thrilling experiences but also exposes you to the risk of avalanches. Avalanches can occur suddenly and with devastating force, making preparedness and proper safety gear essential for survival. Understanding the right avalanche safety equipment and how to use it can significantly increase your chances of rescue and survival in avalanche incidents. This article covers everything you need to know about avalanche safety gear, focusing on the essential items, additional helpful tools, and tips for effective use.
The Big Three: Essential Avalanche Safety Gear
When heading into avalanche-prone areas, you must carry the “Big Three” avalanche safety tools: an avalanche transceiver, a snow probe, and a snow shovel. These three items form the backbone of avalanche rescue and are indispensable for anyone traveling in backcountry snow.
1. Avalanche Transceiver (Beacon)
An avalanche transceiver, often called a beacon, is a small electronic device worn on your body that emits a radio signal. In the event of an avalanche, the transceiver switches from “send” mode (transmitting your location) to “search” mode (receiving signals) to help rescuers locate buried victims quickly. Unlike personal locator beacons (PLBs) that send distress signals to satellites, avalanche transceivers work locally to find companions buried under snow.
Modern transceivers operate on a 457 kHz frequency and feature multiple antennas for accurate directional guidance. They provide distance and direction to the buried person and can handle multiple burial scenarios. Battery life is typically over 200 hours in send mode, ensuring reliability during extended trips. Popular models include the Black Diamond PIEPS Pro IPS, known for its advanced features and long search range, and the Backcountry Access Tracker S, valued for its simplicity and lightweight design.
2. Snow Probe
The snow probe is a collapsible, lightweight pole used to pinpoint the exact location and depth of a buried person after the transceiver search narrows down the area. Probes typically fold down to fit into a backpack and extend to lengths of 240 cm or more, which is recommended for effective probing. Longer probes improve efficiency by allowing repeated probing to the required depth without excessive crouching. Aluminum probes are preferred for durability and ease of use in cold conditions.
3. Snow Shovel
Once a victim is located, a snow shovel is critical for digging them out quickly. Avalanche shovels are usually made of aluminum for strength and durability in freezing temperatures. They break down into compact sizes for easy carrying.
Larger shovels (with blade sizes around 20 cm x 20 cm or bigger) are better because rescuers often need to move large volumes of snow—sometimes literally tons. Efficient digging techniques, such as digging downhill from the probe strike and using a “paddle” motion rather than scooping, speed up rescue efforts.
Additional Avalanche Safety Gear
Beyond the Big Three, several additional tools and equipment can enhance safety and improve rescue outcomes.
1. Avalanche Airbag Packs
Avalanche airbags are backpacks equipped with an inflatable airbag system designed to keep you near the snow surface during an avalanche, reducing burial depth and increasing survival chances. When triggered by pulling a handle, the airbag inflates within seconds using compressed gas or a powerful fan.
There are two main types of airbag packs:
Cartridge-style airbags use compressed gas canisters that must be refilled after each deployment. They are more affordable but cannot be carried on airplanes.
Fan-style airbags use battery-powered fans to inflate and maintain airbag pressure, allowing multiple deployments on a single charge and easier transport on planes.
While airbag packs add weight (typically 5 pounds or more) and cost several hundred to over a thousand dollars, many backcountry travelers consider them essential for high-risk terrain. They often include features like dedicated compartments for avalanche tools and reinforced frames for stability during skiing or snowboarding.
2. RECCO Reflectors
RECCO reflectors are passive devices embedded in some ski clothing and gear. They do not require batteries and work with specialized RECCO detector units used by ski patrols and rescue teams. When a RECCO detector sends out a signal, it bounces off the reflector, helping rescuers locate buried victims.
While RECCO reflectors provide an additional safety layer, they are not a substitute for avalanche transceivers, especially in backcountry areas beyond ski resorts where RECCO detectors are not available.
Snow Safety Tools
Other useful tools for avalanche safety and snowpack assessment include:
Slope Meter (Clinometer): Measures the angle of a slope to assess avalanche risk. Slopes between 30° and 45° are most prone to avalanches.
Snow Saw: Used to cut blocks of snow for stability tests or to build snow shelters.
Snow Crystal Card: Helps analyze snow crystal types to evaluate snowpack stability.
These tools assist in making informed decisions about terrain safety and can be vital for experienced backcountry travelers.
How to Use Avalanche Safety Gear Effectively
Carrying avalanche gear is only part of the equation; knowing how to use it properly is crucial.
Transceiver Use: Always wear your transceiver on your body under a layer of clothing, not in your backpack. Turn it on before entering avalanche terrain and keep it in send mode. Regularly practice searching for buried signals to maintain proficiency.
Probing: After locating a signal with the transceiver, use the probe to precisely find the buried person’s position and depth.
Insert the probe perpendicular to the snow surface and probe systematically in a grid pattern if needed.
Shoveling: Dig downhill from the probe strike to avoid snow piling on the victim. Use a paddle motion to clear snow quickly. If multiple rescuers are present, one can chop hard snow while another clears it downhill.
Airbag Deployment: In case of an avalanche, pull the airbag handle immediately to inflate the airbag. This action increases your volume and helps keep you near the surface of the moving snow.
Regular Maintenance: Keep your gear in good condition. Replace batteries in transceivers regularly, check airbag canisters or battery charge, and inspect probes and shovels for damage.
Professional avalanche safety courses are highly recommended to gain hands-on experience and practice rescue scenarios.
Conclusion
Avalanche safety gear is a vital investment for anyone venturing into backcountry snow terrain. The core equipment—the avalanche transceiver, snow probe, and snow shovel—provides the foundation for effective rescue in avalanche emergencies. Additional gear like avalanche airbags and RECCO reflectors further enhance safety but do not replace the essentials.
Understanding how to use this gear, maintaining it properly, and complementing it with avalanche education and training can save lives. Always prepare thoroughly before heading into avalanche terrain, and never underestimate the power of knowledge combined with the right equipment.