Now that snow's here, time to think avalanche safety

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas out there, which is great news for anyone who enjoys getting out and playing in the snow.

However, with fresh powder on the slopes there is fresh danger to those who like to have fun in the backcountry.

That point was made clear this week, when at least one person was swept away in an avalanche and another had to be rescued after falling and suffering a head injury. Both incidents occurred in Hatcher Pass, one of the Valley’s most popular recreation areas.

On Wednesday, the Alaska Avalanche Information Center issued a special bulletin warning of avalanches in the pass. As many as 15 such slides were reported on Wednesday alone, and the center said more slides are likely as high winds and heavy snow have combined to create an unstable snowpack.

Skiers and boarders can minimize their risks by staying out of avalanche-prone terrain. But that’s not always easy, especially when the allure of fresh powder is concerned.

Aside from staying away from slopes (especially those 30 degrees or steeper), skiers and boarders can also do a number of things to keep themselves safe this winter. Among the tips most cited by experts are for skiers and boarders to travel with a buddy, ride down slopes one at a time, carry an avalanche beacon, and be constantly aware of your surroundings. It’s also a really good idea to take an avalanche safety course before traveling into such areas. Information about upcoming courses can be found on the Alaska Avalanche Information Center’s website at alaskasnow.org.

That’s also a good place to go for helpful tips on staying safe, as well as up-to-date information about current hazards and conditions.

Other ways to stay safe include making a trip plan before you go, wearing proper equipment and clothing, and making sure you’re qualified to handle the terrain you’ll encounter.

Every year, avalanches claim the lives of dozens of people across the U.S., including several in Alaska. And while these perils are often viewed as a fact of life for those who venture into the backcountry, they don’t have to mean disaster. Get educated about avalanche and backcountry safety before heading into the mountains this year in order to have a safe — and hopefully snow-filled — winter recreation season.