Safety Sunday: Avalanche awareness

HATCHER PASS — Moderate avalanche danger persists after heavy snowfall and wind.

"Avalanches do not discriminate," said Melis Coady.

Coady is director of the Alaska Avalanche School. AAS teaches avalanche safety courses every weekend from November to March. Coady warns of the dangers of venturing into the winter backcountry without a proper snow education.

"Some people see lots of snow and think 'pow day.' Pow day can mean avalanche day," said Coady.

Coady is teaching a three-day, 24 hour avalanche safety course this Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Hatcher Pass. Coady says that often people see ski or snowboard videos and think that these athletes are riding on the same day of a big storm when in fact they often wait two to three days before riding. She said that avalanches only become dangerous when a person is involved. Statistics show that humans can have a 0 percent chance of surviving large avalanches and a 50 percent chance if it is a smaller slide.

"Trial and error is not the right way. You're going to lose. You've got to learn from other people’s mistakes and experiences," said Coady.

Coady suggests that Internet capability is key to be able to read and review other adventurers observations of snow in certain areas.

The volunteer run Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center posts forecasts on its website and up to date observations in areas throughout Hatcher Pass.

Coady suggests that those without safety training stay on the slopes in lower elevation or stick to ski resorts. The resources at each resort include staff to maintain the slopes and explosives to trigger controlled avalanches. The human factor of sticking to a plan often fails, and pressure put on yourself can often put you in a dangerous situation. The more education, the more possibilities, Coady says.

"Things layer up like a birthday cake. You have some layers that are stronger and some that are weaker. The more layers you throw on top the more stressed it becomes and the more susceptible to avalanching," said Coady.

Even with probes, avalanche beacons, shovels and other equipment, education is paramount. Coady says that equipment will ensure a proper burial but not safety. If new snow presents danger, it is best to wait 24 hours before venturing out without proper snow safety education.