Slow falling off the side of a mountain
What is an Avalanche
Human triggers, explosions
Triggers of an avalanche
Probe, Transceiver, Shovel
How do the Pros manage Avalanche Hazard
Slab, point
What are types of avalanches
Occurs when a plate or slab of cohesive snow begins to slide as a unit before breaking up
What is the cause of a slab avalanche
Putting weight on the snow
What is the main man made cause of an avalanche
Wind, Warm temperatures, falling snow
What are natural causes of avalanche
Start zone-located at the top of the path.
-it is often steeper then the track.
-often is shaped or oriented so it tends to accumulate wind-deposits of snow
-30-45 degree angle
-little vegetation
Track-area the avalanche travels down. Often narrower.
-under 30 degrees
-steep enough to maintain the snow but not steep enough to trigger
Run out-the bottom of the path where the snow settles
-the area to check for survivors
Parts of an avalanche
They send out your locations
What is an avalanche transceivers
Makes air holes for someone who is trapped
What is a probe
Moves the snow
What is a shovel
When inflated it helps you stay above the snow
What is an avalanche airbag
Have a plan before entering the slope
Have lots of rescuers and few victims
Be in a small avalanche
Try not to be buried and if you are, keep it shallow
Use last point seen and visual clues
How to rescue someone fast
Low, Moderate, Considerable, High, Extreme
What are the 5 levels of the avalanche scale
5 Minutes
If you are buried how long do you have till you below 90% survival rate
10%
What is your survival rate after 30 minutes
Slope, Snow, Trigger
What 3 conditions must be present for an avalanche to occur
30-40
What is the angle that most man made avalanches occur
Slab
What avalanche is the most dangerous
No training, No avalanche information obtained
What are 2 things you should know before skiing/snowboarding
Avalanche control, Hazards marked, Ski patrol
What are 3 things ski areas do to keep you save
Signs and fences
What two used to mark a ski area boundary
Significant new snow in the last 24, Recent natural avalanche activity, Wind, Rapid temperature rise.
What are 4 signs that there is avalanche hazards
Try to ski to the side, Struggle to stay on the surface
What are the actions you would take to try and save yourself if caught in an avalanche?
Lack of oxygen, Trauma
What are two possible causes of death when caught in an avalanche