With tons of freshly fallen snow across the nation the time is right to brush up on proper tree well safety protocols and remind ourselves to always ski with a buddy in the woods when tree well danger is present.
The following video is a quintessential example of why it is critically important to stick within sight of your partner while skiing in the woods in deep snow conditions. Luckily this father had an eye on his son as he got swallowed up by a tree well and quickly came to his rescue but if they had been separated at the time the outcome may have been tragic. Even if they were just out of eye shot for a moment when this happened, there is no telling how long it would have taken him to realize he was gone and the locate the trapped boy.
The reality of danger well danger is absolutely chilling and we must respect them at all times. Learn more about tree well safety below:
Tree Well and Snow Immersion Suffocation Safety Guidelines:
ABOUT TREEWELLS:
A tree well is a void or depression that forms around the base of a tree can and contain a mix of low hanging branches, loose snow and air. Evergreen trees in particular (fir, hemlock, etc) can have large, deep tree wells that form when low hanging branches block snow from filling in and consolidating around the base of the tree. These voids can be hidden from view by the tree’s low hanging branches.
There is no easy way to identify if a particular tree has a dangerous tree well by sight therefore, treat all tree wells as dangerous. In simple terms, a tree well is a hole or void in the deep snow, which is clearly marked by a tree. You can easily identify and avoid these areas.
Tree Well Danger Demonstration Video:
What To Do If You Go Down A Tree Well:
What To Do If Your Partner Goes Down A Tree Well:
SIS Prevention & Equipment:
- The easiest was to avoid a SIS accident is to remain on groomed areas and avoid deep snow and tree well areas.
- Be aware of the recent snowfall and the depth of the loose snow – check local resources for recent snow conditions.
- If you venture into UNGROOMED terrain:
- Ride or ski with a partner and keep your partner in sight at all times.
- Ski or ride in control.
- Give tree wells a wide berth. Look at the open spaces between trees not at the trees.
- Skiers should remove ski pole straps.
- Carry safety equipment including:
- Cell phone with resort emergency number
- Transceiver / beacon
- Avalung
- Whistle
- Shovel
- Probe
- Recco
- Keep your partner in sight at all times. In many SIS accidents, skiers and snowboarders, have part of their body or equipment visible – but a partner wasnt there to see them.
- Take heart. Increased awareness and education reduces SIS risks. There are more reported cases of skiers and boarders being rescued by their partners each season.
