| JusAvgustin7. 12. 2010 17:54:38 |
Better too often than too seldom!
Movement in mountains in winter conditions:
When we head into snowy mountains in winter, we must be prepared for certain facts: low temperatures, shorter day, closed mountain huts, fewer people in the mountains, markers hidden under snow, icy technical protections on paths, more extreme weather conditions, constant presence of two dangers - slip and avalanches.
* the first measure to reduce slip risk is increasing our stability with hiking poles,
* for easier tours up to the forest line we can use hiking boots to which we easily strap 4-point crampons or one of many types of hiking crampons,
* for ascents above the forest line we use boots with stiffer soles and 12-point crampons,
* when we assess that we wouldn't stop safely in case of a possible slip, we stow the hiking poles and take the ice axe in hand,
* learn self-arrest with ice axe and walking with crampons. Before the winter season, practice both on a slope with safe runout,
* be careful of snow clumps (crampon balls) that form on crampons,
* let not the snow conditions at the tour starting point influence whether we take ice axe and crampons, as conditions change with altitude and time,
* monitor data on snow conditions, temperature and wind, and reports on avalanche danger level. Don't go to mountains during and a few days after heavy snowfall and forecasted thaws,
* don't blindly trust the track ahead but assess ourselves if we're moving in safe terrain,
* perform snowpack stability test. At increased danger, abort ascent or continue with safety distance,
* before moving on snow, turn on and test avalanche beacons. Have avalanche probe and shovel in backpack. Don't let use of these tools boost overconfidence,
* so far the most effective avalanche aid is backpack with integrated airbag,
* learn searching with avalanche beacon and proper digging out of buried. When searching with beacon, remove cell phones,
* when moving in mountains on skis, be aware it doesn't affect conditions, so carry all necessary technical gear,
* if we assess we can't control the descent due to snow conditions and our skiing skills, descend on foot,
* when skiing near groomed slopes, don't be misled by false security of slope proximity but be aware we must follow all rules for safer movement in winter conditions.
In addition to the above, follow some more guidelines:
* use quality personal gear that protects from cold and moisture,
* carry enough spare clothing and warm fluids in backpack,
* in fog and strong wind better abort ascent,
* on ridges wind creates wind slabs that can release under our weight, so walk a few meters below ridge on leeward side. On windward side under slab there's almost always a layer of hard snow that releases as slab avalanche under load.
Jani Bele, Commission for Information and Analysis GRZS
source: http://www.pzs.si/index.php?stran=Novice&novica_id=5303
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