Tree Well & Deep Snow Safety

Posted At : March 3, 2008 1:44 PM
Related Categories: Safety Tips

What is a tree well? It's the void area of loose snow surrounding the trunk of a tree after a heavy snowfall. Tree wells are deceptive, as you cannot see the unstable snow around a tree.

It is easy to fall into a tree well. Once you fall in, the snow surrounding the tree piles on top of the unlucky victim and traps them underneath. Since most people fall headfirst into Tree Wells, they can be more dangerous than avalanches.

The chance of surviving an encounter with a tree well is extremely low; in two experiments performed in Canada and the U.S., volunteers were temporarily placed in tree wells and only 10% of them were able to free themselves.

So listen up! Here are some tips to avoid what many unlucky victims meet every year.

Tips to Avoid Tree Wells

Tree wells are encountered off groomed runs and are most risky after heavy snowfalls, when low-hanging branches shelter the base of the tree's trunk.

As in all cases, the best way to avoid these dangerous obstacles is to stay on groomed, ski-patrolled runs.

If you must venture off the beaten trail, however, here are some tips to reduce your risk:

Ski or snowboard with a partner, and keep them in sight. It may hurt your ego to slow down every now and then, but waiting for your partner is worth the extra two minutes. Riding and skiing with a partner is always a safer way to go.
Avoid getting too close to trees, especially after heavy snowfalls. Avoid deep snow and tree areas when possible.
Assume that all trees have tree wells. You can never be too careful. Tree wells are often hidden, so avoid trees that look like their branches can shelter against snow.
Do not leave to get help, it will not arrive in time. People have been known to suffocate within 15 minutes of being trapped in a tree well. Get your partner's head above the snow and create an airway. Yell for help and hopefully it will come.
Ski and ride defensively. Take a step back and know your surroundings.
Stay calm. The more you fight, the deeper you will be buried. Create a breathing space and wait for help. If you are alone, be conscious about your surroundings and move strategically to free yourself.

Prevention is key. Read more on tree well and snow safety, and be prepared for whatever you encounter.

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Ski & Snowboard Safety Tip: Avalanche Rescue

Posted At : January 18, 2008 9:32 AM
Related Categories: Safety Tips

"Avalanches occur on steep slopes that are made for great skiing and snowboarding."

For those of you skiers and snowboarders who brave those magnificent steep slopes with prowess, you're probably already aware of the situation in which you put yourself: the dangerous potential of an avalanche.

Getting buried in an avalanche is no small price to pay for skiing and riding the great slopes. But a little something called RECCO can help put your mind at ease when it comes to avalanches.

RECCO is an avalanche rescue system. It increases your chances of being found both quickly and alive in the event of a slide.

How RECCO Works

RECCO reflectors are affixed to apparel, protection gear, or boots. The reflectors are most effective when worn in your helmet or in pairs, like in your jacket and pants or in both boots. For instance, if you've got RECCO reflectors in your boots and a big bad avalanche drowns you, a rescue team will be able to pinpoint a direct path to the burial as the reflectors bounce back a signal to the searchers.

The reflectors do not guarantee location or survival in the event of a burial, however, nor can they replace a transceiver. They act as a worthy complement to a transceiver and help organized rescue find skiers and snowboarders more quickly.

As advised on RECCO's site:

Responsible backcountry travel requires proper gear--including transceiver, shovel and probe-trained partners, adequate avalanche knowledge and smart decisions.

Why It's a Keeper

RECCO is a non-powered device. This means that it never needs to be turned on or off, it never loses signal strength, and it doesn't need batteries. It's maintenance-free and hassle-free with an endless lifespan. You don't even have to think about it!

Who's on the RECCO Bandwagon

Many international brands, like Arc'teryx, The North Face and Quiksilver, already have incorporated RECCO reflectors into their products.

Big White, Sun Peaks, and Whistler are already equipped with the RECCO system. Over 440 other resorts, helicopter bases, national parks, and search-and-rescue organizations worldwide have RECCO. Check out recco.com for a current listing.

Questions?

If your mind's now raring with specific questions regarding RECCO reflectors, visit the RECCO site's FAQ page to quench your curiosity. The site itself is an invaluable source for avalanche education and facts.

Live well & be safe.