22-23

<p>Before your first day on the snow, whether you chase the first storm or wait until there is a solid base, take time to ensure your avalanche rescue gear is working properly and refresh your avalanche skills with a class or two. See our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/workshops/calendar"><strong><u>education calendar</u></strong></a><strong> </strong>for an up to date list of all local classes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As soon as snow starts to accumulate avalanches will become possible. Avalanches this time of year are not uncommon, and have injured and killed people in past seasons (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/accidents?page=3"><strong><u>accident reports</u></strong></a>). Starting this weekend, if you plan to travel in the backcountry, whether skiing, climbing or hunting, prepare for avalanches like you would mid-winter.</p>

<ul>
<li>Carry a beacon, shovel and&nbsp;<a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/probe"><u>probe</u></a>&nbs… a minimum. Helmets are a necessity as well.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Travel one at a time in avalanche terrain (all snow covered slopes steeper than 30*).</li>
<li>Avoid steep slopes with fresh drifts of snow, especially where even a small slide could push you into rocks or trees or pile up deep in a confined gully.</li>
<li>Cracking and collapsing of the snow are bulls-eye information that the snow is unstable, and clear signs to avoid steep slopes.</li>
<li>As the snow piles up it is a good idea to dig to see the layers below the recent snow. Avoid steep slopes if you find weak, sugary snow underneath new snow or drifted snow.</li>
</ul>

<p>We are preparing for winter, setting up weather stations and beginning to collect snowpack information. If you have avalanche, snowpack or weather observations to share. Please submit them via our <a href="blank"><strong><u>website</u></strong></a>, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com"><strong><u>mtavalanche@gmail.com</u></str…;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>

<p>Discussion</p>