{"id":10486,"date":"2025-01-17T09:04:17","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T17:04:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.gov.bc.ca\/emergencymanagement\/?p=10486"},"modified":"2025-01-17T09:26:12","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T17:26:12","slug":"get-avy-savvy-during-avalanche-awareness-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.gov.bc.ca\/emergencymanagement\/get-avy-savvy-during-avalanche-awareness-days\/","title":{"rendered":"Get \u201cavy savvy\u201d during Avalanche Awareness Days"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Avalanche Awareness Days<\/a> run throughout winter and spring, and events across B.C. provide an excellent opportunity to learn about avalanches and how to explore B.C.\u2019s backcountry safely.

To mark these days and learn how to become \u201cavy savvy,\u201d we spoke with Ryan Buhler, forecast program manager at Avalanche Canada, and Sandra Riches, executive director of BC AdventureSmart at the BC Search and Rescue Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen exploring B.C.’s backcountry, preparedness is key, especially in avalanche-prone areas,\u201d said Sandra. \u201cBefore heading out, check avalanche forecasts<\/a> and familiarize yourself with terrain and weather conditions, and always carry essential gear<\/a>, including an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe\u2014and make sure you know how to use them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sandra also stressed the importance of planning and teamwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTravel with a partner or group and use the<\/a> 3Ts \u2014Trip Planning, Training, and Taking Essentials<\/a>. By doing this, we can reduce the burden on B.C.\u2019s 3,400 dedicated search and rescue volunteers<\/a>, who are always ready to assist in emergencies.\u201d

The Avalanche Canada website provides comprehensive information about avalanche training and safety courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTravelling in the mountains during winter is an incredible experience, but it requires skills and preparation to do it safely,\u201d adds Ryan. \u201cIdeally, that means taking an avalanche skills training course<\/a> if you plan to venture into avalanche terrain by any mode of travel.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Image captured by Abby Cooper<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Know which areas to avoid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are also a few things to look for to avoid avalanche terrain and enjoy B.C.\u2019s backcountry responsibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAvoid routes that cross through or under established avalanche paths \u2013 you can recognize these by gaps in the trees caused by previous avalanches. Also, keep away from steep, open slopes that are bigger than a tennis court\u2014they could produce avalanches large enough to bury you,\u201d said Ryan.

Additionally, it\u2019s important to stay cautious in areas where slopes suddenly become steeper, as these often trigger points for avalanches, Ryan added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStay well back from ridge lines,\u201d said Ryan. \u201cIt can be hard to know where the ridge ends, and a cornice begins.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Person capturing snow slope. Image captured by Abby Cooper<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Have fun and be safe!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Resources from BC AdventureSmart and Avalanche Canada include forecasts, training opportunities, and online tools:<\/p>\n\n\n\n