Avalanche experts warn against just relying equipment
Posted Jan 17, 2014 3:37 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Despite a special warning from the Canadian Avalanche Centre for a high risk in the B.C., Canmore and Banff backcountry, the snow in the mountains is tempting for some outdoor adventurers.
No matter the level of training, Karl Klassen, manager with the CAC, said it is very important to plan trips carefully this weekend and not to rely on just buying the right equipment.
“Definitely people tend to buy the equipment and think it is the magic bullet, and feel that they are confident with it without practicing enough,” said Klassen, adding even the experts are constantly training.
Jesse de Montigny, with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, recommends a minimum level one course (AST1) for anyone attempting to stray from the groomers.
“I would say extreme caution is what you should be using, and definitely your terrain choices should be limited to very simple terrain,” de Montigny said.
He said there is some level of sport to be had in the non-avalanche areas of the backcountry as well.
“Cross-country skiing is great, as long as you’re not in the way of any avalanche path. Snowshoeing — there’s even some areas where you can go skiing with low angle terrain and no overhead hazard which would be okay.”
The three big qualifications identified for anyone heading off the low risk area is to know the forecast inside and out, be well practiced with equipment, and have the training to handle these conditions.
