Avalanches claim lives of four Alaskans this winter

Winter snow continues to be a hazard in Alaska as avalanches in mountainous playgrounds endanger snowmachiners, hikers and skiers, often claiming lives.

Four people have died in avalanches so far this winter according to a recent release from the Alaska State Troopers. Two were within two days of each other, the most recent in Cantwell two weeks ago.

On Dec. 24, at approximately 5:22 p.m., troopers in the Cantwell area were contacted by Aaron File, who reported that an avalanche had occurred approximately 20 miles west of the Parks Highway, at Mile 185, according to trooper reports.

File said his friend, Dwayne Dufford, 30, of Fairbanks, had died as a result of being buried in the snow. A trooper investigation revealed Dufford and several friends had been riding snowmachines in the area when a 400-foot fracture in the snow occurred and Dufford was buried. He was located by beacon approximately 18 minutes later but had already succumbed to his injuries. No one else was injured in the avalanche, and a trooper investigation is continuing.

Avalanche hazards cannot be predicted in every location in Alaska, but these numbers should serve as a warning for everyone participating in winter outdoor recreation, according to the troopers.

Whether skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or snowmachining, troopers suggest the following to increase chances of survival in Alaska's winter wilderness:

Leave a trip plan with someone you trust. Even if you are just going out for a few hours, it's still a good idea to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

Bring several friends. It is the people already at the scene who have the best chance of finding you alive if you are buried in an avalanche. Even under the best of circumstances, it may take hours for search-and-rescue personnel to get to your location. Most avalanche victims will already be dead by then.

Stay where it's safe. If you know that avalanches have occurred in your area in the past, it's probably a good bet that area is hazardous right now.

Watch for clues -- fresh avalanche paths, lots of fresh snow after a long cold period, a "whumping" sound as you pass over the snow, broken or damaged trees. All of these are possible clues that an avalanche has or might occur. Don't assume that an area is safe just because an avalanche has already passed through. Multiple avalanches can occur in the same places.

Educate yourself. The more you know about avalanches, the better you can avoid them. Several groups and agencies in Alaska offer avalanche awareness classes. Contact your local ski patrol unit, snowmachine club, or the Alaska Mountain Safety Center at (907) 345-3566 for information about classes in your area.

The locally organized Backcountry Avalanche Awareness and Response Team, which offers public education and training, can be reached at 892-7073 or (907) 232-0315.

Go prepared for emergencies. Check the weather forecast before you go. Dress appropriately. Keep your machine and your gear in good condition. Everyone in your group should bring an avalanche probe, a snow shovel, and an avalanche transceiver and know how to use them.

If in doubt, stay out. If you unsure about the avalanche conditions in an area, stay out of there. Go have fun in an area where there is less chance of getting caught in an avalanche.

Stay sober. It is illegal to operate any motor vehicle, including snowmachines, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Additionally, alcohol and drugs impair our ability to make good decisions about our own safety.

"Many of us love Alaska because of the winter recreation opportunities that are so easily available to us," troopers said. "Following these simple rules will help ensure your ability to enjoy Alaska's outdoor sports for years to come."

Safety tips included in this article were provided courtesy of Lt. Chuck Lamica, State Search and Rescue coordinator, Alaska State Troopers.