Backcountry Safety

Winter is a wonderful time to enjoy the backcountry where adventure opportunities abound in a landscape transformed by Mother Nature’s glorious white blanket.  It is important to keep in mind however, that even the most minor winter outing can turn into a dangerous situation with poor planning or foul weather.  So, before setting off into the backcountry during winter, educate yourself and keep these key safety principles in mind.

 Clothing 

Wearing appropriate clothing on winter excursions is extremely important for comfort and safety.  Be aware of the sweat/freeze phenomenon and prepare yourself accordingly to combat this common problem.  Cotton does not have good insulating properties, especially when it gets wet, so avoid it at all costs.  Wool and polypropylene are great fabrics to wear for base and mid layers because they help wick moisture away from your body and they retain their insulating properties when wet.  Outer layers should consist of waterproof and breathable material and NO JEANS!   Layering your clothing allows you to adjust according to the weather and your exertion, thus keeping you comfortable and dry.  Make sure that you bring extra layers to replace wet ones if needed.  Find more info on dressing for winter activities at http://www.wildmontana.org/winter/clothing.html.

 Frostbite  

Frostbite is caused by prolonged exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, especially when accompanied by low wind-chill temperatures.  The most susceptible areas to frostbite are your hands, feet, and any exposed parts of the face/head.  There are three degrees of frostbite: frostnip, superficial frostbite, and deep frostbite with symptoms ranging from numbness and white skin, to blistering.  Permanent circulation and nerve damage can be caused by deep frostbite or recurring mild frostbite.  Take care to dress properly, cover exposed skin in extreme temperatures, and re-warm affected areas as soon as possible. Do not rub the affected areas to re-warm them; instead use pocket heaters and foot warmers, or place them in the armpits or the groin region of a companion.  Find more info on frostbite at: http://www.surviveoutdoors.com/reference/frostbite.asp.

 Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a very serious condition defined by a drop in your core body temperature (below 96 degrees F).  The symptoms range from shivering and disorientation to loss of motor skills and confusion.  There are many factors that can lead to hypothermic conditions including:  dehydration, exhaustion, wet clothes and extreme cold.  The most important aspect of treating a person with hypothermia is to prevent further heat
loss.  An emergency blanket is an essential (and compact) safety item that should be carried on every winter excursion and can be used to prevent further loss of body heat.  Hydration is also central to the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.  Wet clothing should be replaced with dry layers when possible, especially if it is in contact with the skin.  Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of hypothermia so that you may respond quickly and appropriately to this dangerous condition.  For more information on hypothermia visit the following report on the web at http://www.princeton.edu/%7Eoa/safety/hypocold.shtml.

 Avalanche Awareness  

Avalanche awareness is a very complex topic that requires in-depth study to gain proficiency in assessing avalanche danger and in responding to avalanche scenarios.  It is highly recommended that at least one person in your group has extensive training in avalanche awareness and everyone should be equipped with avalanche safety equipment including but not limited to:  radio transceivers (beacons), shovels, and avalanche probes.  Of course, if nobody knows how to use the equipment proficiently, then there’s not much point in bringing it.  Winter is a dangerous time in the mountains so prepare for all possible conditions and situations.  Here are a few basic principles to follow during your winter travel in the mountains.

Planning
When you’re planning a trip, make sure to bring along at least one friend, as venturing alone into the backcountry is not a good idea.  Many avalanche deaths occur not far from roads or ski area boundaries, so avoid any false sense of safety due to close proximity to these areas.  It is important to research the terrain you will be traveling on and the local/regional weather conditions before you begin your trip.  Remember that mountain weather is known to change quite rapidly and is often unpredictable.  Familiarize yourself with the snow pack history of an area and plan your route according to the safest slope aspects.  When planning your route, it is wise to cater it to the most inexperienced person in the group and avoid high danger exposures.  Call the local avalanche center for current conditions or visit it on the web and be sure to know before you go.  Remember that avalanche danger is highest during or after a big storm.  Bring all safety equipment and practice and review techniques even for short excursions.

At the Trailhead 
It is a good idea to review the day’s route on a map with everyone and have a group equipment check.  Dig a pit to assess the avalanche danger on the first slope you come to.  Try to pick an aspect that you will likely be traveling on.  Digging a pit is a great opportunity to review and share your knowledge with others in the group who may be less experienced.

Out There
Keep the group together except when crossing exposed and avalanche-prone slopes, in which case you should cross one at a time.  Members of a group should always have eye contact with each other while traveling in avalanche terrain.  Good communication between members of the group helps to ensure that everyone is happy and comfortable.  Safety should be the first priority during winter adventures and individuals ought to be willing to sacrifice personal ambitions for the safety of the group.

With the growing popularity of backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding there has been a significant increase in avalanche injuries and deaths over the past decade; however, the rate of education has not kept up with the growth of winter backcountry recreation.  Take it upon yourself to become educated in winter backcountry safety and help spread the word to other fellow enthusiasts.  Support your local avalanche centers in the effort to increase backcountry safety awareness and enjoy the winter wildlands.  For more information on avalanche awareness visit http://nsidc.org/snow/avalanche/  and our avalanche links page.

 Safety Related Links  

 Winter in the Wild (Montana Wilderness Association)