Sa Guide Book

7/31/2019 Sa Guide Book

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or backcountry skiers, free riders and snowmobilers

Basic avalanche knowledge

safety academyGuide Book


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imProving your safety

The smart-antenna-technology

analyzes the position o the antennas

in the avalanche and automatically

switches to the optimal transmission

antenna.

the result: 43% more range,

regardless o the beacon used

or searching.

x.

with Smart-Antenna-Technology

Tested andrecommended

Ocialsupplier to


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A look at the photo tells the attentive observer many actors

about the cause o this avalanche:

weather

terrain

snow cover

human

A lot o new snow combined with wind and

cold temperatures.

Untouched and steep. Probably 30 or more.

A snow slab becomes unstable when there is a

weak layer in the snow cover.

Even when highly motivated, people should always

act responsibly and in a predominantly deensive

manner. The prevalent risk was not detected here.

avalanches and how they are caused

The picture shows the most dangerous type o avalanche

or winter sportspeople, the slab avalanche.

4 Saety Academy Guide Bookavalanches and how they are caused

Photo

RalfHochhauser


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avalanches and what causes them

avalanche factorsWeather

Terrain

Snow covering

Human

backcountry Planning

Avalanche report

Selecting your destination

Avalanche emergency equipment

on the sloPes

Avalanche transceiver partner / group check

Basic ascent principles

Alarm signs

Systematic snow cover analysis

Basic descent principles

Avalanche accidents

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contents

5Saety Academy Guide Bookcontents

Concept

&DesignbyortovoX

(HendrikReschke,StefanieRieder,VolkerHeuer)inTa

ufkirchen,Germany


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slab avalanches

In case o a slab avalanche, snow masses

usually come loose with a linear crack in oes,which suddenly slip down on a sliding layer.

+ Compact snow

(oten drit snow)

+ Poor bond to the layer

underneath (low shear

resistance = weak

snow layer)

+ Steepness (>30)

conditions forslab avalanches

6

Photo

ChristianBrecheis,PatrickNairz

Saety Academy Guide Bookslab avalanches


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how slab avalanches are triggered

An avalanche can be triggered just rom the low additional

load o one person on the snow surace.

ascent1 2 times body weight.

fall6 7 times body weight.

short turn4 5 times body weight.

kick turn2 3 times body weight.

bear in mind: The weight o new snow, rain, warm

temperatures or intense sunshine can also lead to avalanchesbeing triggered naturally!

7

Photo

KlausFengler

Saety Academy Guide Bookhow slab avalanches are triggered


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One o the general conditions to be noted during and ater snowall is the

temperature. Cold, warm air and sunshine have a huge inuence on the

processes o change in the snow cover and also on the avalanche risk.

massive

warming

slow,

moderate

warming

warming

during day -

cooling at

night

cold

long-lasting

major cold

sPell

It is very critical, but its eects can be

easily evaluated.

Helps to set the snow cover and the

bond between the layers.

Causes the snow cover to compact perectly, yet

attention must be paid to the avalanche situation

deteriorating during the course o the day rom east

to west. (Attention in case o snowall ater such a

phase; a critical weak layer is oten ormed)

Preserves existing risks and delays

the setting process.

Fully eases the avalanche situation,

as the structure o the crystals change

and become loose.

avalanche factor Weather - Temperature

9

Photo

KlausFengler

Weather - temperatureavalanche factor


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Wind is the ultimate architect o avalanches. Just small amounts o snow

combined with strong wind can lead to a critical avalanche situation.

on the windward side

At the oot o steep ridges

In troughs and gullies

on the lee side

Behind ridges

Under inclination changes

on the lee side

(snowdrit)

on the windward

side

(compacted snow)

bear in mind: On the mountains you should avoid gullies, troughs

and bowls, as snowdrits accumulate here. Just as dangerous are the

lee areas behind ridges, as well as the cornices above them that are

in danger o breaking o.

avalanche factor Weather -Wind

10 Weather - windavalanche factor

Photo

KlausFengler


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Terrain shapes inuence the ormation o avalanches because they have

a crucial inuence on the wind direction and speed and also on the extent

o snow ractures.

gullies, troughs and sloPe changes encourage avalanches. These

shapes o terrain help to orm snowdrits on the lee side and compacted

snow build-ups on the windward side.

task

Trace a route on the terrain picture that presents the lowest

avalanche risk or you and your party.

Solution on the next page.

avalanche factor Terrain -Slope shape

11

Photo

ClausStreitschek

Terrain - slope shapeavalanche factor


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The ideal route makes the best use o the terrain shapes that aresae rom avalanches:

ribs, as the snow is oten blown o them and snowdrits hardly

accumulate there

broad ridges, as the wind hardly ever allows snowdrits to orm here either

dePressions,as they support the snow cover by means o small slope shapes

the tour avoids:

steeP sloPes, staying away rom riskier avalanche-prone areas by

maintaining appropriately sae distances.

bowls & gullies, since these are areas where snowdrits can oten accumulate.

cornices, because they can break o unexpectedly at any time. On the leeward side,

underneath the cornice, one oten fnds accumulations o dangerous snowdrits.

avalanche factor Terrain -Slope shape

cornice

steeP!

comPactedsnow

gully

morainew

arning

mostlystee

perthan40

Danger!crevasses

comPactedsnow

avalanche

12 Terrain - slope shapeavalanche factor

Photo

ClausStreitschek


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Due to longer periods o sunshine, south-facing sloPes oten have

a more stable snow cover composition.

Only 30% o all avalanches go o on a southern asPect (SE to SW).

70% o all avalanche accidents happen on north-facing sloPes (W to E)

and 56% in the pure north sector (NW to NE).

The reason or the requency o accidents on these aspects is that the snow

cover sets more slowly due to the low amount of sunshine. Powder,

but also the danger, thereore, remains in place longer.

avalanche factor Terrain -Slope direction

n

ew

s

bear in mind, however, that a critical avalanche situation

oten relates to all asPects!

13

illustr

ationTobiasWandres

avalanche factorTerrain - slope direction


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Around 97% o all avalanche accidents happen on slopes with an inclina-

tion of over 30 (designated in the avalanche report as steep slopes).

In the case o 84% o accidents, the steepest part o the slope

is at least 35.

When determining the steepness o a slope, the steepest part o a slope

that measures at least 10 x 10 m (30 x 30 t) is looked at.

Steepest part o the slope according to topographic map 30 40

avalanche factor Terrain - Slope steepness

Apart rom extremely steep terrain, conditions

generally safe rom avalanches.

- avoid eXtremely steeP terrain

- keeP your distance on slopes that are so steep

that kick turns make them easier to ascend.- cross sloPes over 30 one at a time

- avoid sloPes over 35 in those sloping areas that are

mentioned in the avalanche report or appear particularly

dangerous.

- In addition, in all sloping areas: Behave as at Level 2

- avoid sloPes over 30.- Even in atter areas, bear in mind the possibility o naturally

triggered avalanches rom catchment areas above.

Backcountry skiing, ree riding and snowmobiling

are generally not Possible.

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2

3

4

5

5

As a guideline, the ollowing slope steepness can

be seen as sae subject to the avalanche report:

14 terrain - slope steepnessavalanche factor

illustr

ationTobiasWandres


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A snow slab becomes unstable when there is a weak layer

in the snow cover.

The ollowing circumstances have a positive inuence on the

stability o the snow cover:

avalanche factor Snow cover

knowledge of the

ground underneathThe more grassy / at-

tened the ground under-

neath, the higher the risk

o ground avalanches

(usually in spring). Knee

timber, rocky terrain or

orest with trees very

close together reduce

the risk.

number of crossings

Heavily used slopes over

the whole area beore

the last snowall can

reduce sliding layers and

ensure greater stability.

15

Photo

MichaelMllerandChristianBrecheis

Snow coveravalanche factor


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humans represent the most imPortant avalanche factor in

recognizing and avoiding the risk o an avalanche. eXPerience,

knowledge, Personal ability and aPProPriate behavior are

contributing actors or triggering avalanches. That is why conscientious

route Planning, attentive observation and risk-conscious decision

making are an essential part o any o-piste activity.

avalanche factor Human

16 Humanavalanche factor

Photo

BerndRitschel


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The basis or preparing any tour is the inormation rom the avalanche

rePort, weather rePort, tour guides and toPograPhic maPs.

Planning a tour

17Saety Academy Guide BookPlanning a tour

Photo

PatrickNairz


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Planning a tour Avalanche report

trigger Probability

Avalanches can generally only be triggered in case o large additional

loads in isolated places on extremely sloping terrain. Only small natural

avalanches are possible.

Possible particularly in case o large additional loads, especially at the

specifed steep slopes. Large natural avalanches are not anticipated.

Avalanches may be triggered by just a small additional load, especially

at the specifed steep slopes. Some medium, but also big natural avalan-

ches in isolated cases are possible.

Avalanches are probable rom just a low additional load on many steep

slopes. Many medium, but also big natural avalanches in isolated cases

can be expected.

Many large natural avalanches can be expected, even on moderately

steep terrain.

19Avalanche reportPlanning a tour

infograPhics

AvalancheWarningServ

iceTyrol


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x. as well as the ortovoX mountain tours

aPP (Bergtouren App) oers you many destinations, which

you can choose according to a wide variety o criteria.The topographic maps shown there are no substitute or

conventional maps, however, with as small a scale as

possible.

When planning, it is essential to choose a route suitable or

the avalanche situation. sloPe steePness, asPect and

avalanche terrain traP must be checked in case o

any danger situation.

tiP: Slope steepness can be read rom tour maps with a

scale o 1:25000 with the aid o the mark on the side.

Planning a tour Selecting your destination

1

0

1

2

3

4

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9

1000m

50

0m

0

Hangneigung

60

50

4035

30

25

20

0

1

5S

teepnessofslope

20 Selecting your destinationPlanning a tour


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alternative destination

I the conditions ound on the terrain do not match your assumptions,

then an alternative destination planned out in advance is the sae solution.

time Planning

Always allow extra time. The reality in the mountains is usually

dierent rom plans made on the soa.

never go alone

Even minor accidents can have atal consequences..

grouP sizeThe smaller the group, the more exible you are. 8 persons is seen as the

maximum.

grouP aPPearances

Always act responsibly and do not be misdirected into more risk.

consideration

Always act with the weakest skier in mind and show consideration

Planning a tour Tips

21TipsPlanning a tour

Photo

BerndRitschel


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A comPlete set of emergency avalanche equiPment enables you

to locate and save your riends in case o emergency.

Emergency equipment cannot prevent an avalanche or potential burial.

avalanche transceiver

3 antennas and a aggingunction are standard.

shovel

A hacking unction saves

you invaluable time.

Probe

A quick and stable quick-

assembly system is essential.

backPack

Make sure it has an

emergency compartment.

helmet

Now part o the standard

equipment on the slopes.

first-aid kit and

bivouac sack

Can save lives and make

emergencies more bearable.

mobile Phone

You can alert the rescue by

dialing 112 (Europe) / 911 (US)

imPortant

Only a complete set o emergency

avalanche equipment enables you

to locate and save your riends in

case o emergency. Emergency

equipment cannot prevent anavalanche or potential burial.

Planning a tour Emergency avalanche equipment

check list

11min

25min

1-2h

22 Emergency avalanche equipmentPlanning a tour

illustr

ationTobiasWandres


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At the starting point o the tour, the transmitting and receiving unction on

all avalanche transceivers should be checked:

grouP leader check

1. He switches his transceiver to transmit.

2. All others to receive.

grouP check

1. Leader switches to send, all others to receive.

2. The group members walk past the leader one by one 5 m (16 t)

interval.

3. Ater a successul check, the leader also switches to transmission

mode.

before every tour

The batteries should be checked and replaced immediately i necessary.

on the sloPes Avalanche transceiver partner / group check

23Avalanche transceiver partner / group checkon the sloPes

Photo

KllausFengler


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on the sloPes

Adapt your route to the terrain. gullies, troughs and

unnecessary steeP sloPes should be avoided, as they

may hide danger.

Go around snowdrifts and accumulations of

comPacted snow

Get your bearings regularly both on

the terrain and on the maP and keep

a regular check on your tracks.

Actively watch out or alarm

signals or systematically analyze

the snow cover (Page 27).

24 Basic ascent principleson the sloPes


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Basic ascent principles

You should either ascend steeP sloPes

one by one or keep a distance o at least

10 m (30 t).

recent avalanches are clear

indicators o a high risk of

avalanches. Be sure to keep a

sae distance away by giving the

area a large berth.

Check whether the sloPe steeP-

ness matches the danger situation

(see Page 19). A slope measuring

device, the ortovoX s1+ or your

ski poles can be used as measuring

instruments (pendulum method:

x.). You can basically

tell when ascending slopes romapprox. 30 or more, as you will

automatically switch rom arcing to

kick turns.

25Basic ascent principleson the sloPes

Photo

ClausStreitschek


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on the sloPes Alarm signs

watch out: I you are unsure o the danger, you should assess the

layers o snow by means o a systematic snow cover analysis. I

there are still saety concerns, turning back is the only right decision!

cracks

on the snow cover signal

that it is ready to break.

cornices

are a sign o high winds.

Dangerous snowdrits

accumulate on the lee side.

naturally triggered avalanches

usually occur when there is a high avalanche risk. Especially when

the weather warms up in the daytime in spring, they serve as anindicator or danger. Heavy PreciPitation, particularly rain, rises

in temPerature or wind can lead to an increased avalanche risk.

whumPing or settling noises

the dull whumping sound, when the snow settles, indicates the

biggest danger o all. You should abort the tour immediately and

return to sae terrain.

26 Alarm signson the sloPes

Photos

PatrickNairz


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Since the winter o 1998/99, systematic snow cover diagnostics

have been taught in our training courses run by the Bavaria Avalanche

Warning Service.

An attempt is made here, using individual sPot tests (small block

test), to transer certain processes and properties o weak layers to the

area or the individual slope and to then evaluate them.

This kind o diagnosis is very quick and meaningful.

You can fnd the comprehensive descriptions o the systematic snow

cover analysis online at:

x.

on the sloPesSystematic snow cover diagnosis

27Systematic snow cover diagnosison the sloPes

Photo

BerndRitschel


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on the sloPes Basic descent principles

bear in mind: Falls impact the snow cover with 6-7 times

body weight and should be avoided particularly in ridge areasand steep sections!

It is possible to descend in a group only under very sae conditions.

A safety interval o approx. 50 m (160 t) is recommended on any

descent.

In case o less clearly sae conditions, skiers should descend one by

one. The leader should go frst and wait at regular intervals away

from the descent line at asae and protected place(assembly point).

In case o Poor visibility and Poor snow, skiers should descend

in the tracks at sae intervals one ater the other.

Members o the group should watch out for one another.

The leader is not to be Passed.

28 Basic descent principleson the sloPes


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The chance o survival in

the first 15 minutes is

relatively high at 90%, butater that drops drastically.

Only with:

comPlete

emergency equiPment

a fast rescue

oPeration

and lots o training do you

have a realistic chance o

rescuing the victim.

avalanche accident

15

30

60min

29Saety Academy Guide Bookavalanche accident

Photo

KlausFengler


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avalanche accident Help rom companions

I the accident was observed, you should note the Point of

disaPPearance 1 and coordinate the rescue operation without delay.

I there are several helpers, one alerts the rescue service (eu 112 / us 911).

all helpers switch their transceivers to search.

The search area 2 starts at the Point of disaPPearance 1 or

at the avalanche back-uP area.

1

2

30 Help rom companionsavalanche accident

Photo

NorbertPichelsberger


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avalanche accident Help rom companions Signal search

First, you should search the avalanche deposit with your eyes and ears

or objects or partially buried victims.

At the same time, start the signal search.

Depending on the number o helpers, the avalanche deposit is searched

in Parallel (search strip width approx. 40 m, or 130 t), or by meande-

ring with one person searching.

20m

20m20m

40m40m

40m

31Help rom companions - Signal search

Photo

KlausFengler

avalanche accident


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avalanche accident Help rom companions Coarse search

Modern, digital 3-antenna avalanche transceivers will show

you the direction.

You just have to ollow the direction arrow!

Distances that get smaller indicate that you are getting

closer to the victim.

32 Help rom companions - Coarse searchavalanche accident

P

KlausFengler


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avalanche accident Help rom companions Fine search

When 2 - 3 meters (6 - 10 feet) away rom the victim, you have to use

the device to search as close as possible above the surface o the

snow crossways and in straight lines, until you have ound the

lowest value.

The value displayed equates to the victims depth and you

mark the point with crossed Poles.

33Help rom companions - Refned searchavalanche accident


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avalanche accident

Help rom companions Pinpoint location (probing)

(8 in)

Starting rom the crossed Poles, you now probe systematically rom

the inside outwards until you locate the victim.

The probe remains in place and is used or orientation purposes.

Make sure that a possible breathing hole is not trodden on.

tiP: Always probe at a 90 angle to the surace o the snow

34 Help rom companions Pinpoint location (probing)avalanche accident

Photos

KlausFengler


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avalanche accident Help rom companions digging out

Read o the victims dePth rom the probe 1 and walk down the slope

by this fgure and start shovelling in a V-shape.

With several helPers, replace the shoveller at the top ater 1 minute

at the latest.

The positions should be taken as ollows: cut out blocks, shovel, and

clear snow away.

tiP: Shovels with a hacking function can save valuable time here.

first aidclear snow rom the victims mouth and airway immediately

and initiate lie-saving measures (airway, breathing, circulation

abc o lie-saving)

Do not move the victim too much and warm them gently or

protect them rom getting colder.

Feed with warm, sugary liquid

1

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