Owner`s manual

ENGLISH

Avalanche Awareness

This is a basic introduction to avalanche safety and awareness. We

encourage you to read this manual thoroughly. On our website, you

will also find a list of avalanche instructors and guides. We strongly

suggest taking an avalanche course in your area before venturing

into the backcountry.

Before leaving, call your local avalanche forecast center and

determine the danger level in the area you intend to visit.

At the trailhead, check that each person has a working beacon probe

and shovel—and knows how to use them. We also recommend the

use of avalanche airbags.

Learn to recognize avalanche terrain:

• Does this slope have a history of sliding?

• What is the angle and aspect of the slope?

• Will recent weather impact snow stability?

Learn to avoid avalanche terrain:

• Is there any evidence of recent avalanche activity?

• Is the slope angle between 30 and 45 degrees?

• Does the slope you plan to use have dangerous terrain

traps? (Rocks, trees, gullies, cliffs, etc.)

Travel with considerate partners:

• Cross potentially dangerous terrain one at a time.

• Identify and practice stopping in safe zones.

• Have an escape route in mind if the slope does avalanche.

• Communicate with your partners before moving on to the slope.

When traveling in a group, be aware of the errors groups

typically make:

• Recreating at an area that’s been visited without incident

before and feeling confident in its stability.

• Not speaking out or communicating concerns about a path

or slope, fearing conflict.

• Being overconfident in the groups’ abilities.

• Determination to reach a destination without re-evaluating

terrain and conditions.

If in doubt, it is always best to avoid questionable terrain and

return when the snow is stable.