Something to consider

  The lure of untracked powder; its why a lot of us go into the backcountry isn’t it? Sure, there’s plenty to enjoy out there; pristine wilderness settings, good company, a little adrenaline, or maybe just the exercise, but for those who tour the allure of powder is undeniably at the top of the list. Unfortunately, this isn’t a post about enjoying those turns, it’s about where those turns may take us.


Soft Kootenay powder in low angle trees.

  For those of us in the Kootenays, the most recent weather systems brought some much needed snow. This came with warmer weather and the snow that fell was of higher density than anything we have had this year.  This new storm snow is sitting on a whole season of sugary, faceted layers.  I’ll leave the details to the professionals, but basically the snowpack is what some call “upside down”, and does not bode well for stability. Over the past week I have heard of and seen many avalanches; these consisted of both natural and controlled events, and accidental human triggered incidences. Many of these have been of size 2 and larger, some have required emergency response, and in some of those not everyone has made it out the other side.

  The idea behind this post is not to throw anyone under the bus, nor to point fingers, nor to delve into maybes. I have neither the experience, nor the expertise to pass judgment on any incidents which have occurred, and my heart goes out to those involved directly and indirectly in these events.  My only intention is that anyone who might stumble across this post take an extra moment when heading out in conditions such as they are.

Watching from afar.

  One thing I do want to touch on is the danger rating of “considerable”. Much of the reading I have done, and too many of my own experiences, have suggested that a danger rating of considerable is often over looked and/or under-appreciated. The North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale states that when the danger is rated as considerable, natural avalanches are possible, and human triggered avalanches are likely. But something about the word does not strike the fear into those of us who venture out in “considerable danger”; take two minutes and google synonyms for “considerable”; astronomical, hefty, huge, extensive, and ample are all on the list.

  Be careful out there, there are plenty of turns that need not put us in such danger. Know before you go, if you’re in the Kootenays check out:

http://bit.ly/2jgsN4q
  and
http://bit.ly/2jgB1JT

  If you’re living elsewhere make sure to check your local avalanche bulletin. To quote the late Garry Steven Borthick, “Knowledge is half the battle. The application of knowledge is the other half.”