Even though we have officially entered spring there is still plenty of snow falling and serious tree well dangers persist across much of the west. Here’s a quick definition of a tree well:
“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.”
Please take a moment and watch this video from Whitewater Ski Resort in Nelson, BC who put tasked their ski patrol with demonstrating how to properly rescue a skier that has fallen into a deep tree well.
Whitewater Ski Resort Tree Well Safety:
If your partner gets stuck in a tree well, here are some tips to help get them out:
-Don’t leave to get help – stay with your partner.
-Keep ski or board attached; this will stop them from going in deeper.
-Call for additional resources. Use a whistle or yell for assistance; ask someone to call for Ski Patrol.
-Evaluate scene safety for yourself.
-IMMEDIATELY begin snow immersion rescue efforts.
-Keep your partner’s airway clear. Be careful not to knock more snow into the tree well.
-Determine where their head is and tunnel in from the side or below. Do not try to pull your partner out the way they fell in.
-Continue expanding the tunnel to the airway until you can safely extricate your partner.
Please remember that the video from Whitewater Ski Patrol was conducted in a controlled environment with trained professionals. If you are skiing in an area with tree well danger always ride with a friend and keep them within line of sight.