Do you know how to avoid an avalanche and what to do if you get caught?
• When choosing a destination, consider the physical fitness of the participants, weather and snow conditions.
• For the sake of safety, adapt the direction of movement to the conditions, regardless of the other course of the route.
• The equipment should be suitable for the purpose and conditions.
• Monitor the weather conditions a few days before departure.
• Leave a message where you are going.
• Go on a trip in a group.
• During the route, check the level of danger of triggering avalanches.
• Cross dangerous places with a sufficient safety distance.
• When the weather changes rapidly, decide to return.
MOST ACCIDENTS IN AVALANCHES HAPPEN AT DANGER LEVELS 2 AND 3!
1-LOW STABILITY OF THE SNOWPACK: In most areas, the snowpack is relatively stable.
PROBABILITY/POSSIBILITY OF TRIGGERING SNOW AVALANCHES: Only on very rare steep slopes and especially under additional load; only small spontaneous snow crawls and rash are possible.
RECOMMENDATIONS/CAUTIONS FOR MOVING IN SNOWY LANDSCAPE: Generally safe conditions, normal caution is required.
2-MODERATE SNOW BLANKET STABILITY: It is only moderately stable on individual, sufficiently steep slopes, but relatively stable elsewhere.
PROBABILITY/POSSIBILITY OF TRIGGERING SNOW AVALANCHES: Mainly on the slopes specifically exposed in the report in case of large additional loads (e.g. walking or skiing by an individual or a group over such a slope, trampling snow, etc.). We do not expect large-scale spontaneous landslides yet.
RECOMMENDATIONS/WARNINGS FOR MOVEMENT THROUGH THE SNOWY LANDSCAPE: Given the consideration and knowledge of locally more exposed areas, the conditions are generally still safe enough. Pay attention to the warnings above all on steep slopes and slopes, the details of which are particularly highlighted in the Report (orientation, height range, etc.).
3-SIGNIFICANT STABILITY OF THE SNOW BLANKET: It is only poorly to moderately stable on many sufficiently steep slopes.
PROBABILITY/POSSIBILITY OF TRIGGERING SNOW AVALANCHES: Even with a small additional load on the slopes, which are particularly exposed in the report. In some conditions, spontaneous initiation of medium-sized and individual large avalanches is also possible locally.
RECOMMENDATIONS/CAUTIONS FOR MOVEMENT THROUGH A SNOWY LANDSCAPE: Some additional experience and knowledge are required in the assessment of avalanche-safe areas, which are already partially restricted. Also consider the risk of avalanches in potentially threatened areas.
4-GREAT STABILITY OF THE SNOW BLANKET: On most steep slopes, the blanket is poorly stable.
PROBABILITY/POSSIBILITY OF TRIGGERING SNOW AVALANCHES: On sufficiently steep slopes even with a lower load. Under certain conditions, the spontaneous triggering of numerous smaller and, in some cases, larger landslides is also possible.
RECOMMENDATIONS/CAUTIONS FOR MOVEMENT THROUGH SNOWY LANDSCAPE: A lot of additional experience and knowledge and detailed knowledge of local conditions is needed to assess avalanche-safe areas, which are already very limited. Avoid moving over steeper slopes and ravines (gullies) and their foothills and leeward sides of hills.
5-VERY GREAT SNOW PACK STABILITY: General instability of the snow cover.
PROBABILITY/POSSIBILITY OF SNOW AVALANCHES: We can expect many medium-sized and many large spontaneous avalanches, including those on moderate slopes.
RECOMMENDATIONS/WARNINGS FOR MOVEMENT IN SNOWY LANDSCAPE: Movement in such conditions is generally very difficult, so we do not recommend it. It is limited only to gentler areas that are far enough away from established avalanche routes.
• Avalanche woodpecker, avalanche probe and snow shovel.
• Mobile phone, first aid kit, flashlight.
• Ice axe, crampons.
Use QUALITY equipment YOU CAN HANDLE!
• Lots of newly fallen snow,
• slope inclination between 30 and 50 degrees,
• smooth surface of the slope (grass, soil, rocks),
• sudden thaw,
• additional load on the snow cover with our weight,
• local drifts of snow caused by strong winds.
• Keep your blood calm.
• Call 112 before doing anything.
• Quickly inspect the avalanche, do not remove objects.
• Excavate partially buried.
• Use the avalanche woodpecker to search for casualties.
• Use the avalanche probe to determine the exact location of the backfill.
• Carefully dig out the victim and clear his airways.
• Administer first aid, acting as if the victim is seriously injured.
WHEN YOU CALL 112, SAY:
WHO is calling, WHAT happened, WHERE it happened, WHEN it happened, HOW MANY victims there are, what are the INJURIES, what are the CIRCUMSTANCES at the scene of the accident, what HELP do you need?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SNOW CONDITIONS AND AVALANCHES: Agencija Republike Slovenije za okolje, vreme
Education: Avalanche Protection Days (DVSP) are organized every year, usually in January;
check at: www.grzs.si
We thank our long-time supporters who help us on our way.
