Practical Tips and Travel Techniques
So, you’ve mastered how to understand the NZAA forecast, what’s next? Well, it’s time to take your Avalanche IQ from the forecast to the field with our practical tips and travel techniques.
This part of the video series shares practical ways you can minimise the risk of avalanches while you’re out in the field. This includes critical skills such as understanding the effect of weather on the snowpack, signs of instability to look out for, safe travel techniques and an overview of avalanche rescue equipment.
Episodes
- Weather Conditions
- Signs of Snowpack Instability
- Safe Travel Tips
- Travel Recommendations for Mountaineers
- Avalanche Rescue Equipment
Weather Conditions
Changes in the weather can have a rapid affect on the layers in the snowpack! Learn some key weather conditions to look out for and how they may affect the avalanche hazards you encounter.
Signs of Snowpack Instability
Even with the best planning, sometimes the conditions change or are not what you expected. In this episode, learn some simple signs that indicate that the snowpack is not stable and should be treated with extreme caution.
Safe Travel Tips
Avalanches are an ever-present danger in the alpine backcountry. These dangers can be minimised but never eliminated. In this episode, we visit safe travel techniques so you and your group can travel as safely as possible whilst out in the field.
Travel Recommendations for Mountaineers
Historically, mountaineers make up over 70% of NZ avalanche fatalities. In this episode, we have put together some specific travel considerations and recommendations for mountaineers to minimise their risk of avalanches when out in the backcountry.
Avalanche Rescue Equipment
When the worst possible situation arises, it is critical to be prepared with the equipment you need to locate and dig out a person (or people) buried by an avalanche. Similarly, it’s important to incorporate this equipment into your pre-trip planning and conversations. In this episode, we explain the basics of avalanche rescue equipment, what these items include and how they are used.
Further Resources
- View your local avalanche forecast here
- Complete our Online Avalanche Course
- Get the hands-on training necessary to be safe in avalanche terrain from one of our trusted course providers
- Read our ‘User’s guide to understanding the NZ Avalanche Advisory’
More in the Series
- Glossary Terms | New to avalanche safety? Start with this glossary to learn the key terms to help you understand the forecast and learn about avalanche terrain.
- Avalanche Problem Types | Learn about the 9 avalanche problem types so you can understand the dangers, spot the warning signs, and make safer route selections in the backcountry.
- Understanding the NZAA | Take your Avalanche IQ from the forecast to the field with practical tips, travel techniques, and key skills to manage avalanche risk in real time.