Avalanche Safety

Snowmobiling on a pristine mountain covered in untouched snow may sound like the perfect snowmobile getaway, it can be dangerous and even deadly. When snowmobiling in remote, mountainous areas, it is important to always be aware of avalanches and practice avalanche safety.

What Is An Avalanche?

An avalanche is when a large amount of snow comes dislodged from the top of a mountain all at once, crashing down and enveloping the area below. There are three main types of avalanches - wet avalanches, dry avalanches and slab avalanches. While all avalanches are dangerous, dry snow avalanches are more deadly than wet snow or slab avalanches. By being aware of how to avoid avalanches, you can greatly decrease your risk of getting caught in one while snowmobiling and avoid becoming a fatality.

Get The Weather Forecast

When the weather changes and the temperatures rise, areas within the snowpack at the top of a mountain can warm and begin to melt. This melting causes instability and makes the snowpack more likely to slip off the top of the mountain and travel down, creating an avalanche. A good storm or extra snowfall will also add instability, making the snow heavier and more prone to slipping. When planning a snowmobiling trip in the mountains, go when the temperatures have been cold and stable for a few days without significant temperature increases and a few days after a recent snowfall if possible. Be aware that the first day or so after a snowfall is the most critical when the recent snow has not yet bonded to the existing snow. If there has been over six inches of snowfall, you may want to reschedule your snowmobiling trip to avoid the chances of getting caught in an avalanche, while snowfalls of six inches or less almost never end in avalanches. You should also avoid snowmobiling near mountains during heavy winds or when winds have been recent - the snow can blow from one side of the mountain to the other and build up on one side, making it more susceptible to breaking off and forming an avalanche. There are other ways to predict if a mountain is prone to avalanches at a certain point during the season, so you may want to ask a nearby official for advice on when it is safe to snowmobile.

Pack The Avalanche Essentials

Although your main objective while snowmobiling is to plan your trip carefully to avoid avalanches at all costs, this may not always be possible. It is important to carry with you survival gear that may save your life in the event that you do get caught in an avalanche. It is not a bad idea to carry portable, collapsible ski poles or probes in your pack, as well as a small shovel for digging and an avalanche beacon. Many lives have been saved by using avalanche beacons, but it is essential to learn how to use them properly before taking them with you on a snowmobiling adventure. If you're caught in an avalanche, it's important not to panic. Create space in front of you as the snow is falling by moving your arms to create as much breathing room as possible, because many avalanche deaths are due to suffocation. If you have questions about avalanche safety while snowmobiling, consult your nearest snowmobiling manufacturer or even the attendant at a ski resort lodge - many people can give you useful information on how to best avoid avalanches if you can and prepare for the worst just in case. If you take the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your snowmobiling trip will be fun and safe!