When moving your family from the city to a Breckenridge home in the snowy Colorado Rocky Mountains, insist that each person learn about mountain life. There are secrets to safe winter driving, hunting, extreme skiing, and dealing with wildlife. Today we will talk about avalanche safety.
Newcomers to homes in Breckenridge see and hear about many people that head to the backcountry. Some, especially the youth, may throw caution to the wind and follow suit. Do the adventurous new people in Breckenridge neighborhoods have the same experience and training as a lifetime resident of Summit County real estate? Some do and some do not.
Avalanche conditions can build in a matter of hours. All backcountry skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and snowmobilers who recreate in the backcountry should check the weather conditions before heading out. However, everyone needs to know what to look for in a surprise situation. Mother Nature’s clues are obvious to the trained eye and ear. Most avalanches occur on 30-45 degree slopes but some happen on shallower ones. The rule of thumb is that if the slope is steep enough to slide, it can present a danger. Look for cracks forming in the snow. Listen for a “wolfing†sound beneath the snow.
Another clue may surface in the demeanor of someone in the outback party. Backcountry enthusiasts must be able to summon the will to change plans and find safer slopes if necessary. A brazen or careless attitude in the party could be a warning signal.
No matter what level of safety equipment a backcountry snow explorer brings along, there is no guarantee anyone will survive an avalanche. All of the agencies and organizations around the area work hard, therefore, to keep people out of dangerous situations. They offer classes, put up signs, and if the conditions warrant it, they blow the whistle. If people want to travel in the backcountry during the wintertime, their life may depend upon skills learned in class.
Did you know that a person could cause the same avalanche that takes his/her life? In fact, almost all avalanche fatalities happen this way. Therefore, we highly recommend field classes that teach people how to avoid dangerous areas. Instructors teach how to spot avalanche-prone terrain, how to dig pits in the snow to examine the snow layers and learn how they interact with one another. They also teach how to use emergency locator beacons.
They do advise skiing and riding with a partner as well as carrying an emergency beacon, a probe, and a shovel. Being prepared goes a long way to better enjoyment of the vast reaches of our fabulous mountain crevices and crannies.
Here’s to your good health and protection….
Posted by: Editor
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