AVALANCHE PREPAREDNESS: WHERE TO BEGIN
Snow is usually joyous; it's what you wish to have on Christmas morning or what you can’t wait for as an outdoor recreationalist. There is however a darker side to snow – avalanches. So I ask, do you know what to do if you get caught in one?
Art Nord Trail, Ogden Valley. Photo by Deann Armes
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, avalanches account for 52% of severe weather-related deaths in the state, claiming 117 lives between 1958 and 2017. As more outdoor enthusiasts embrace winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, mountaineering, and touring, understanding your surroundings becomes crucial for your safety and that of others.
First, the easiest way you can learn about avalanche preparedness is by taking the Free KBYG eLearning course recommended by Utah’s Avalanche Center. Sign up by creating an account and navigate through their courses.
Through this eLearning you will gain foundational knowledge about avalanche safety covering four main topics: Forecasting, Gear, Training, and Understanding Conditions.
Forecasting: Learn how to assess current and future avalanche danger.
Gear: Understand the essential rescue gear and other recommended equipment to save lives in avalanches. Also, learn how to use and maintain the gear.
Training: Discover how to get real-world avalanche education, find classes nearby, and acquire the necessary skills for safety.
Understanding Conditions: Learn to identify snow and weather conditions linked to avalanches, understand terrain features and their impact, and develop safe habits in avalanche-prone areas.
Additionally, KBYG also hosts in-person Avalanche Safety Classes through REI though no courses are available now at the closest REI (Farmington station) save this page and continue to check back in!
Once you've laid foundations the next step is to get out with the pros in your backyard. By backyard I mean the Wasatch Range!
Weber State University offers a variety of courses for all skill levels either start with Backcountry 101, AIARE Rescue skills or if you have the proper pre-requisites they have a variety of advanced courses.
Another option is taking courses directly with the Utah Avalanche Center. If you get lucky and courses aren't sold out check here and register directly: Classes & Education – utahavalanchecenter.
If you don’t have the gear for the classes or don’t want to buy, Weber also offers a variety of rentals to parooze.
Don't let the fear of avalanches hinder your outdoor enjoyment. Get educated, be safe, and hone your skills to venture confidently into the winter wonderland!
