Avalanche theory

Earlier this winter, we had an avalanche course with a focus on recognizing and avoiding avalanche terrain, understanding what it takes to trigger an avalanche and what you can do if someone should be exposed to one. We refreshed this theory both as preparation and during the trip.

Prior to the trip, the students were given the task of finding a road on the map that was not in avalanche-prone terrain, ie in terrain that is steeper than 30 degrees or is in exit zones (the area where the avalanche goes / ends up). When we entered the terrain, they took turns leading the way, so that as many people as possible practiced reading maps and terrain, and finding a way completely out of avalanche danger. They were trained to make good and energy-saving tracks by not going steeper than a maximum of 20 degrees and baute.

Snow profile

About halfway through the trip we took a short break to make snow profiles. We found a nice little slope in the same direction as we went, which could say something about the different layers of snow in the area and give an indication of the avalanche danger level. No one got a result on the stability test (a test where you use a shovel to fold the snow together to see where the weak layers can possibly collapse and trigger a landslide).

The top

The trip was not particularly long, but carrying slalom skis / snowboards on your back uphill gives a good workout after all. The view from the top was well worth the effort! And not least the trip down again!