Skiing in the backcountry often means skiing in areas where avalanches are very possible, and being prepared to deal with the conditions, both by reading forecasts ahead of time and by learning how to mitigate the risks while on the snow, is necessary to backcountry travel.
This skier captured a remarkably close call while skiing in the Skeena Mountains of British Columbia. Fortunately he was able to stop just short of the slide, while the skier below was able to ski out before anything reached them.
Colorado Avalanche Information Center Basic Avalanche Safety:
Avalanches are possible any time you have snow on a slope. The best thing you can do before you head into the mountains is check the avalanche forecast.
If you are traveling where there isn’t a current avalanche forecast, here are some simple things that will help you avoid avalanches.
- Avalanches are possible when you have snow on a slope steeper than about 30 degrees.
- Most avalanches happen during or soon after a big snowstorm, period of strong winds, or during a thaw (rapid increase in temperature).
- Signs of higher avalanche danger include recent avalanches, cracking in the snow, and audible collapsing. Avoid traveling on or under similar slopes.