Safety
Terrain Management
Terrain management involves reducing the exposure of an individual to the risks of traveling in
avalanche terrain by carefully selecting what areas of slopes to travel on. Features to be cognizant of include not under cutting slopes
(removing the physical support of the snow pack), not traveling over convex rolls (areas where the snow pack is under tension), staying away
from weaknesses like exposed rock, and avoiding areas of slopes that expose one to terrain traps (gulleys that can be filled in, cliffs over
which one can be swept, or heavy timber into which one can be carried).
Group Management
Group management is the practice of reducing the risk of having a member of a group, or a whole group involved in an avalanche. Minimize the
number of people on the slope, and maintain separation. Ideally one person should pass over the slope into an area protected from the avalanche
hazard before the next one leaves protective cover. Route selection should also consider what dangers lie above and below the route, and the
consequences of an unexpected avalanche (i.e., unlikely to occur, but deadly if it does). Stop or camp only in safe locations. Wear warm gear to
delay hypothermia if buried. Plan escape routes. Most important of all practice good communication with in a group including clearly communicating
the decisions about safe locations, escape routes, and slope choices, and having a clear understanding of every members skills in snow travel,
avalanche rescue, and route finding.
Group size
Group size must balance the hazard of not having enough people to effectively carry out a rescue with the risk of having too many members of the
group to safely manage the risks. It is generally recommended not to travel alone. There will be no-one to witness your burial and start the rescue.
Leadership
Leadership in avalanche terrain requires well defined decision making protocols, which are being taught in a growing number of courses provided
by national avalanche resource centers in Europe and North America. Fundamental to leadership in avalanche terrain is an honest attempt at
assessing ones blind spots (what information am I ignoring?) There is a growing body of research into the psychological behaviors and group
dynamics that lead to avalanche involvement.