Avalanche Season is Upon Us
Rocky Mountain Outlook
As snow dumped down this week on the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country, it’s safe to say winter gear that was tucked away in summer storage areas has been taken out of hiding places by outdoor recreationalists eagerly waiting for this time of year.
Skiing, ice climbing, and skating on wild ice, among others, are all part of a lifestyle that connects so many people to the Canadian Rockies. No doubt plans are being made to travel to isolated pockets and then out into the backcountry for experienced and new adventurers alike.
And while it can be difficult to ignore the call of the great outdoors at this time of year, avalanche season shouldn’t be ignored either.
Many who frequent the outdoors have surely heard it: the mighty roar and rumble of an avalanche crashing down, echoing in the distance. But what about when crossing into the territory where the risk of a wave of snow, ice and debris barrelling down is unavoidable?
For those uninitiated, Avalanche Canada provides up-to-date information on danger ratings, forecasts and links to safety courses in areas like Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country.
Checking reports and being educated through avalanche safety courses to take steps in making the best possible decisions when entering avalanche terrain could be the difference between life and death.
On November 15th, two skiers had a lucky escape in Kananaskis Country after an avalanche near the north alpine slope below the headwall of Pocaterra Ridge at Highwood Pass. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries.
It was the first avalanche in the region this season that involved skiers, said Kananaskis Mountain Rescue.
There are a couple of major points about these awesome forces of nature: it doesn’t take a massive avalanche to make it deadly, as smaller avalanches can also be fatal, and they also don’t discriminate about who gets caught in one and who doesn’t.
This week, across K-Country, the avalanche rating is low and in most places in Banff, the rating is moderate; however, in the mountains, a calm day can experience conditions changing rapidly, with snowstorms hitting unexpectedly.
Those who often travel to the mountains from Calgary have likely encountered a very different experience during the short 90-kilometre trip as weather patterns change.
While checking conditions online is one aspect, a bigger piece is knowing what to do when the worst-case scenario happens. It’s sort of like carrying bear spray – it’s great to have on you when a bruin is close by, but one should know how to use the deterrent as well.
Safety courses for beginners and those experienced can be found on Avalanche Canada’s website and are highly recommended.
Additionally, having equipment handy in a pinch such as emergency communication devices like an avalanche probe and beacon, first aid kit, and a portable shovel are invaluable.
A season that’s yearned for by many, with some of the best outdoor activities returning in our backyard, it's important to remember to plan before you go, take actions to prepare, and, perhaps most importantly, enjoy the great outdoors.