Cross-Country (XC) Skiing

The smart first step is to learn from the avalanche experts. This will take a commitment of time and effort on your part. Divide the task into three parts. First, take an avalanche course. Second, check out the videos on avalanche safety. Third, do some reading.

•  www.avalanche.org

• Sawtooth National Avalanche Center
  (208) 622-8027

• Idaho Panhandle National Avalanche Center
  (208) 765-7323

• Payette National Forest Avalanche Center
  (208) 634-0409

Avalanches run repeatedly year after year in the same areas— slopes called avalanche paths. Avalanches most often start on slopes of 30–45 degrees but sometimes start on slopes as shallow as 25 degrees and as steep as 50 degrees. Knowing the slope angle is “rule number one” in recognizing avalanche terrain, for once slope angles reach 30 degrees, you are in potential avalanche terrain regardless of all other factors.

Sometimes the snow shows clear and present danger signs of an avalanche. Some signs are a fresh avalanche, snow collapsing beneath you or creating noticeable cracks. Some weather signs that signal increasing inevitability are heavy snowfall —more than one inch per hour — or strong winds blowing snow and snow plumes off the ridges. Keep observing and evaluating all day long. Keep asking yourself these four questions: Is the terrain capable of producing an avalanche? Could the snow slide? Is the weather contributing to instability? Is there a safer route?

Look for test slopes where you can dig snowpits and perform stress tests. A test slope is a small, steep slope — preferably 30 degrees or steeper — where you will not be in danger of causing an avalanche, but is close to a larger slope that you are concerned about. You can learn all about snowpits while attending Idaho Parks and Recreation’s Avalanche Awareness & Companion Rescue Clinic.

There are several rules of backcountry travel that will help to minimize your avalanche risk. One at a time! Only one person at a time should go onto the slope. Avoid the center. The greatest danger on any steep slope comes when you are in the middle of it. Stay on shallow slopes. You can always travel on avalanche-free slopes up to 25 degrees. Never ride alone.

In other words, check your attitude. It can get you in trouble. Are you so goal-oriented — to climb this peak or highmark that slope — that you are willing to take unwarranted risk? Do not overlook clear and present danger signs! Do not fall into peer pressure! Are you letting haste or fatigue get you in trouble? To prevent accidents from happening, you must control the human factor in your decision-making. Know your limitations.

There are three parts to the rescue equation that will reduce your risk: what equipment to carry, what to do if you are caught, and what to do if a friend is caught.