Avalanches

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That training will NOT, itself, protect you - indeed it may be that those with some training but relatively little experience are at the greatest risk - but the APPLICATION of the training may do.
 * This page covers some basic information about avalanches but does NOT replace the need for training for those who plan to spend time in the mountains in winter conditions. **

Avalanches kill at least 150 people worldwide per annum. Avalanches are more common on the shallower slopes used by walkers than on the steep slopes populated by climbers; everyyone travelling in the mountains in winter conditions is at risk of avalanches. media type="custom" key="9936845" width="130" height="130"

physical factors increasing the risk of avalanches
1) slope between 30 and 45 degrees (though anywhere between 20 and 60 degrees can avalanche) 2) snowfall in previous 24 hours 3) wind sufficient to deposit snow onto lee slopes 4) lack of bonding betwween layers (eg new snow and old snow) 5) thaw

human factors increasing the risk of being avalanched
1) members of group aged 20-30 2) more men in group 3) no formal guide, but informal "leader" 4) fewer risk averse group members - often associated with more previous experience 5) group pressure & group dynamics - especially a reluctance to voice safety concerns: people often accept risks when part of a group they would not if alone <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">6) over-confidence <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">7) meeting others (i.e. not part of "own" group) in the same area/evidence of recent "use" of the area (e.g. tracks) - this seems to apply most when the group members have some prior training

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">decision making in avalanche terrain
<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">media type="custom" key="22944574"

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">cornice
<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">A cornice is a bank of snow projecting over the edge of the ground (usually on the lee side). <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Cornices are a hazard as they may collpase spontaneously, with the risk of causing an avalanche, or when walked upon (taking the walker with them down the slope). <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">The fracture line of the cornice may be some way from the edge of the cliff or ridge - walkers must keep well away from the edge.



<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">links
SportScotland Avalanche Information Service

[|Avalanche awareness quiz] [|Avalanch safety (MCofS)] [|Avalanche tips] (SAIS) [|Avalanche awareness] (BMC) [|Account of being avalanched] [|Avalanche rescue](Mammut web site) [|Hazards and safety in the wilderness] [|Trip planning form] [|Factors leading to avalanche "accidents"] [|Factors associated with being avalanched] [|Human factors in avalanche accidents] [|AIARE communication checklist] [|Companion rescue] [|On line avalanche training course] (this is NOT intended to replace hands on face to face training)

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">recommended book
[|A chance in a million]

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">specific sports/activities
Skiing/Snowsports injuries: [|http://www.ski-injury.com]