Spring Avalanche

Backcountry ski conditions have been good, and we still have a couple months to go in our spring season. Avalanche risk in the spring is normally lower than mid-winter. But it can happen.

Here's an educational video published by a Swiss skier who was caught in an avalanche recently.



The skier suffered broken vertebra, but survived. Thanks to thomasiasus for sharing.

Tree Well Survival

Tree wells occur in deep snow. They form a narrow vertical chute next to the tree trunk, and can be six feet deep or more. Self-rescue from a tree well is difficult.

Tree well fatalities can be described as "Non-Avalanche Related Snow Immersion Death", or NARSID. Learn more about NARSID here.

Here's a video taken by a man who was caught in a tree well on Mt. Shasta.



Luckily this man was found and rescued by local ski patrollers. See more at NWCN News.

BAMRU has been involved in a number of tree-well related operations this season. We can testify that it is often difficult to see someone who has fallen into a tree well.

When skiing in deep snow, go with a partner! And keep your partner in sight! Learn more safety tips at treewelldeepsnowsafety.com.

Group Decision Making

We've had heavy snowfall recently, and BAMRU is looking forward to more winter trainings over the coming weeks. During these trainings, we sometimes discuss team decision making, and consider the inter-personal dynamics that help keep a group safe.

This video shows Montana skiers who were caught in an avalanche and rescued by nearby first responders. It highlights group decisions that led to a negative outcome.



Accident reports are a valuable learning tool. Thanks to the Montana skiers for sharing.

Related Material: Accidents in North American Mountaineering

2011 Winter Training

BAMRU held its winter training in the Castle Peak area on Jan 22-23. We practised skills for travelling and camping in the winter mountains. Topics included avalanche avoidance, route-finding, search for avalanche victims using beacons and probes. We also practised winter camping and building emergency snow shelters. These skills help to keep our teams safe during winter operations.

Avalanche Control

Funny clip that shows avalanche control operations using a rocket launcher and helicopter.

Surviving an Avalanche, Caught on Camera

In this amazing video courtesy of National Geographic's Adventure Blog, we are provided an unique insight into what it must be like to fall victim to an avalanche. To me, the video was particularly striking in showing the claustrophobia that seemed to grip the skier, especially as his rescuers momentarily turn away from him.  Among other things, the video highlights the need to maintain victim/rescuer communication at all times.



Avalanche Skier POV Helmet Cam Burial & Rescue in Haines, Alaska from Chappy on Vimeo.