By Sara Marino EBS CONTRIBUTOR
Spring is nearly
here. But when sunny skies and warmer days call you to the backcountry, don’t
forget to stay avalanche aware. Recently the Big Sky Community
Organization caught up with Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center
forecaster Alex Marienthal, who provided some basic tips to keep in mind as we
transition from winter to spring skiing.
It Takes Two: Never go alone in the
backcountry. No matter how experienced you are, if something goes awry, you
still need someone to be able to get help.
Safety First: While your gear of course
can’t prevent an avalanche, it’s essential to helping you find your buddy
quickly, or vice versa. Respect yourself and your ski partner by being prepared
and carrying a beacon with working batteries, an avalanche probe and a shovel.
It’s also always a good idea to let someone else know where you’re going.
What’s Going On? Be aware that
conditions can change rapidly throughout the day as it warms. What may start
out as light, cold snow in the morning, can turn into heavy, wet and unstable
snow that’s more likely to slide by early afternoon.
When you get
to your destination, look for signs of avalanche potential. Vegetation can hold
clues. Are trees missing branches or flattened on the uphill side? Are there
clear chutes that have been created over time by previous avalanche activity?
What’s the slope angle? Most avalanches occur on slopes between 30 and 45
degrees. For reference, Liberty Bowl off the Tram at Big Sky Resort is approximately
32 degrees, while the steepest pitch of the Big Couloir tops out at 50 degrees.
Education: Finally, educate yourself. Take
an avalanche course, be it the first time, or as a refresher. Learn more about
what to look for and how to dig a snow pit to gauge the stability of the snow
you want to ski or board.
Remember, have
fun and be safe.
Before you head out, check the GNFAC’s daily advisory at mtavalanche.com, where you can also find information about educational opportunities. The daily avalanche forecast will be posted at least through the first week of April, depending on conditions.
Sara Marino is the community development manager for the Big Sky Community Organization.
BSCO engages and leads people to recreational and enrichment opportunities through thoughtful development of partnerships, programs and places. Visit bscomt.org for more information about Big Sky’s parks, trails and recreation programs.
