Don’t flake out on prepping avalanche equipment for the season
Dave Zinn EBS COLUMNIST
The first flakes of snow swirling through the sky unlock a deep excitement for the coming winter and prompt a wild scramble to uncover winter gear. For some, this first snow means seeking areas with (arguably) enough coverage to ski or ride and to make the first turns of the new season. Before succumbing to the pull of freshly covered hills, take the time to ensure your avalanche rescue equipment is functioning as intended and review fundamental avalanche rescues skills. Remember the adage, “If there is enough snow to ride, there is enough snow to slide.”
Each person riding in and around steep snow-covered terrain should have three primary pieces of rescue equipment every time out, an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe. An avalanche airbag pack or vest is an excellent addition to these three essentials. Familiarity with your equipment’s effective use is critically important in the case of an accident.
As we pull gear from closets and bins, remember that batteries don’t replace themselves and equipment left broken and worn when the snow melted last spring did not magically repair itself during the summer. Here are the checks to perform before heading out this season.
3-Antenna Digital Avalanche Beacon:
- Replace batteries and confirm that contacts are in good condition
- Ensure the battery power registers near or at 100% and all buttons, dials, and switches operate as intended
- Confirm your transceiver functions by performing a practice search
Metal Avalanche Shovel:
- Inspect the blade and handle for wear and cracking
- Assemble and test the shovel making sure it operates smoothly
- If necessary, file the cutting edge of the blade smooth, so it doesn’t tear up your pack
Avalanche Probe:
- Inspect the tensioning cable for fraying and damage
- Assess the locking mechanism
- Assemble the probe
Avalanche Airbag:
- Check canister pressure or battery charge (now and before each day’s use)
- Charge or refill canister as needed
- Confirm the assembly
- Perform a test deployment (recharge cannister or battery afterwards)
Confirming that essential avalanche safety equipment is organized and in working order is the first step in your pre-season preparation. The skills taught in avalanche classes are perishable without practice, melting away with the transition to summer. Gather backcountry partners in the backyard, time your transitions from having your gear in packs to “ready-to-rescue,” hide transmitting beacons around the yard, and perform searches. Additionally, sharpen skills by looking through online avalanche education tools and attending an avalanche class or two this winter. Visit mtavalanche.com/education_calendar for a list of classes in Southwest Montana run by the Friend of the Avalanche Center and other regional providers. Decide to get yourself and your crew into an avalanche safety mindset this year.
The snow will fly soon, and we will embark on a fantastic winter of recreation in the mountains. We want everyone to come home from their adventures. Start by performing these simple checks and practicing essential skills. All season, find relevant avalanche information and forecasts from the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center at montanaavalanche.com.
Dave Zinn is an avalanche forecaster with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.
