Avalanse PDF

BASIC AVALANCHE KNOWLEDGE
SAFETY ACADEMY
Guide Book
for BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS and FREE RIDERS
REDUCED TO
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03
SAFETY ACADEMY GUIDE BOOK
SAFETY ACADEMY Guide Book

Our short handbook should not
be seen as a miraculous solution
against avalanches.
It should at most impart and

consolidate BASIC KNOWLEDGE
and give people an understanding
of the LAWS OF NATURE.
No matter whether you go

BACKCOUNTRY SKIING or free
riding, you will never be fully able
to eliminate the risk.
A safety initiative by the CONSIDERED BEHAVIOR alone

will give you years of pleasure to
SAFETY ACADEMY, the come in your sport.
VDBS and ORTOVOX

Photo Hendrik Reschke
ortovox.com
RUDI MAIR and PATRICK NAIRZ
Leader & deputy leader of
Lawinenwarndienst Tirol (Tyrol
Avalanche Warning Service)
04
The picture shows the most dangerous type of avalanche for

winter sportspeople, the SLAB AVALANCHE.
AVALANCHE BASICS AVALANCHES

AND HOW THEY ARE CAUSED
A look at the photo tells the attentive observer many factors about
the cause of this avalanche:
WEATHER A lot of new snow combined with wind and cold

temperatures.
TERRAIN Untouched and steep. Probably 30 or more.

SNOWPACK A snow slab becomes unstable when there is a
weak layer in the snowpack.
Photo Ralf Hochhauser
HUMAN Even when highly motivated, people should always

act responsibly and in a predominantly defensive
manner. The prevalent risk was not detected here.
05
CONTENTS
AVALANCHE BASICS
04 Avalanches and how they are caused
06 Slab avalanche
08 Avalanche bulletin
AVALANCHE FACTORS
10 Weather
13 Terrain
17 Snow covering
18 Human
BACKCOUNTRY PLANNING
19 Backcountry planning
20 Selecting your destination
22 Graphical reduction method
24 Avalanche emergency equipment
ON THE SLOPES
25 Avalanche transceiver partner check
26 Basic ascent principles
28 Alarm signs
30 Surrounding hazard zones
carbon neutral 31 Basic descent principles
natureOffice.com | DE-248-692999
print production
By carbon neutral printing, AVALANCHE ACCIDENT

ORTOVOX gives a small
contribution to the 33 Help from companions
preservation of our planet.
39 First aid
06
AVALANCHE BASICS
SLAB AVALANCHES
CONDITIONS FOR SLAB
AVALANCHES
Compact snow
(often drift snow)
Poor bond to the layer
underneath (low shear
resistance = weak snow
layer)
Steepness (>30)
Human (as a trigger of
the system)
Photo Patrick Nairz Paddy Schulz
In case of a slab
avalanche, snow masses
usually come loose with a
linear crack in floes, which
suddenly slip down on a
sliding layer.
07
AVALANCHE BASICS
HOW SLAB AVALANCHES ARE TRIGGERED
An avalanche can be triggered just from the low additional load on the
snowpack. 95% OF AVALANCHE VICTIMS TRIGGER THE AVALANCHE IN
which they are caught THEMSELVES.
BEAR IN MIND: The weight of new snow, rain, warm temperatures

or intense sunshine can also lead to AVALANCHES BEING TRIGGERED
NATURALLY!
HIGH
ADDITIONAL LOAD
Short turn, jump, fall,
groups without intervals
LOW
ADDITIONAL LOAD
Ascent individuals or groups
with large intervals,
Kick turn
Photo Hansi Heckmair
08
AVALANCHE BASICS
AVALANCHE BULLETIN
AVALANCHE REPORTS are normally issued every day in the relevant
months and provide data from observers, monitoring stations, snow
section recordings and local experts. Just looking at the danger level
is NOT ENOUGH.
The avalanche bulletin contains all the relevant information about the
WEATHER, SNOW COVER, ASSESSMENT OF THE AVALANCHE RISK
(danger areas, additional load, trigger probability) and a forecast of
the expected development.
TIPIn the SAFETY ACADEMY LAB on ortovox.com you can

find all the relevant information at a glance!
LEVEL SNOW COVER
5
very high
Is generally unstable.
4
high
Unstable in most places.
3
considerable
Only moderate to weak compact on
many steep slopes.
2
moderate
Only moderately compacted on some steep
slopes, otherwise generally well compacted.
1
low
Generally well compacted and stable.
09
TRIGGER PROBABILITY
Many large natural avalanches can be expected, even on

moderately steep terrain. Ski touring is not recommended.
Avalanches are probable from just a low additional load on many

steep slopes. Many medium, but also big natural avalanches in
isolated cases can be expected.
Avalanches may be triggered by just a small additional load,

especially at the specified steep slopes. Some medium, but also big
natural avalanches in isolated cases are possible.
GRAPHIC Lawinenwarndienst Tirol
Possible particularly in case of large additional loads, especially

at the specified steep slopes. Large natural avalanches are not
anticipated.
Avalanches can generally only be triggered in case of large additional

loads in isolated places on extremely sloping terrain. Only small
natural avalanches are possible.
10
AVALANCHE FACTOR
WEATHER PRECIPITATION
Whether snowfalls influence the risk of an avalanche or not depends on the
conditions during the period of precipitation:
CRITICAL AMOUNT OF NEW SNOW

in the last 13 days
30 50 CM
in favorable conditions
20 30 CM
in average conditions
10 20 CM (mixture of favorable /
in unfavorable unfavorable)
conditions
FAVORABLE UNFAVORABLE
CONDITIONS CONDITIONS
No or little wind Strong wind (around 50 km/h
or 31 mi/h)
Temperatures just below 0C,
especially when snow starts Low temperatures
falling
Bad snowpack structure
Rain turning to snow (numerous extreme variations
of snowpack hardness,
Irregular old snowpack
snow-covered surface frost).
Well compacted
Uniform and relatively loose
old snowpack Weakly bonded
11
AVALANCHE FACTOR
WEATHER TEMPERATURE
One of the general conditions to be noted during and after snowfall
is the temperature. Cold, warm air, and sunshine have a huge
influence on the processes of change in the snowpack and hence also
on the avalanche risk.
MASSIVE it is very critical, however, to be able

WARMING to evaluate its effects well.
Warming of the snowpack due to rain is
especially precarious.
SLOW, helps to set the snowpack and hence

MODERATE the bond between the layers.
WARMING Warming of the snowpack due to rain
is especially precarious.
WARMING causes the snowpack to consolidate

DURING DAY perfectly, but attention must be paid to
COOLING the avalanche situation deteriorating during
AT NIGHT the course of the day from east to west.
(Attention in case of snowfall after such a
phase, a critical weak layer is often formed)
COLD preserves existing risks and delays the

setting process.
PhotoKlausFengler
12
AVALANCHE FACTOR
WEATHER WIND
Wind is the ultimate architect of avalanches.
Just small amounts of snow combined with strong wind can lead to
a critical avalanche situation.
LEE
WINDWARD SIDE snowdrift
compacted snow
BEAR IN MIND
In the mountains you should avoid freshly formed gullies,
troughs, and bowls, as snowdrifts accumulate there.
Just as dangerous are the lee areas behind ridges, as well as
the cornices above them that are in danger of breaking off.
PARTICULAR CAUTION IS REQUIRED

ON THE LEE SIDE (snowdrift)
Behind ridges, in troughs and gullies, behind slope sides
ON THE WINDWARD SIDE (compacted snow)

At the foot of steep ridges
13
AVALANCHE FACTOR
TERRAIN SLOPE SHAPE
Terrain shapes influence the formation of avalanches because they
have a crucial influence on the wind direction and speed and hence also
on the extent of snow fractures.
GULLIES, TROUGHS and SLOPE EDGES all pose high avalanche risks.
These shapes of terrain help to form snowdrifts on the lee side and
compacted snow build-ups on the windward side.
EXERCISE
TRACE YOUR ROUTE

Trace a route on the terrain picture that presents the lowest
avalanche risk for you and your fellow skier.
Solution on the next page.

Photo Claus Streitschek
14
AVALANCHE FACTOR
TERRAIN SLOPE SHAPE
Danger! STEEP
CREVASSES
COMPACT SNOW
GULLY COMPACT SNOW
CORN
ICE
AVALANCHE
G
ARNIN n 40
INE W a
MORAy steeper th
mostl
THE IDEAL ROUTE MAKES THE BEST USE OF

THE TERRAIN SHAPES
RIBS, as the snow is often blown off them and snowdrifts
hardly accumulate there.
BROAD RIDGES, as the wind hardly ever allows snowdrifts to
form here either.
HUMPS, as they support the snowpack by means of small
slope shapes.
THE TOUR AVOIDS

STEEP SLOPES staying away from riskier avalanche-prone areas by
maintaining appropriately safe distances.
BOWLS & GULLIES, since these are areas where snowdrifts can
often accumulate.
CORNICES, because they can break off unexpectedly at any time.
On the leeward side, underneath the cornice, one often finds
accumulations of dangerous snowdrifts.
15
AVALANCHE FACTOR
TERRAIN SLOPE DIRECTION
70% of all avalanche accidents happen on NORTH-FACING SLOPES
(W to E) and 56% in the pure NORTH SECTOR (NW to NE).
The reason for the frequency of accidents on these aspects is that the
snowpack SETS MORE SLOWLY due to the LOW AMOUNTS OF SUNSHINE.
Powder, but also the danger, therefore remains in place longer.
W E
S
In winter, SOUTH-FACING SLOPES often have a more stable snowpack
structure due to their prolonged exposure to sunlight.
In spring, please note that the avalanche risk increases earlier on in
the day for south-facing slopes than north-facing slopes.
ILLUSTRATION SAFETY ACADEMY LAB
Still 30% of all avalanches go off on a SOUTHERN ASPECT (SE to S to SW).
BEAR IN MIND
However, that a CRITICAL AVALANCHE situation
often relates to ALL ASPECTS!
16
AVALANCHE FACTOR
TERRAIN STEEPNESS
AROUND 97% of all avalanche accidents happen on slopes with an inclination
OF OVER 30 (designated in the avalanche report as steep slopes).
When determining the steepness of a slope, the STEEPEST PART OF A SLOPE
that measures AT LEAST 20 x 20M (65 x 65 ft) is looked at.
AS A GENERAL RULE:
The steeper the slope, the more dangerous it is
The higher the danger level, the more dangerous slopes there are
In slab avalanches, regardless of the danger level, the average slope
(~38) of avalanches causing accidents is the same
5 Backcountry skiing, free riding and snowmobiling

are GENERALLY NOT RECOMMENDED.
AVOID SLOPES OVER 30.
4 Even in flatter areas, bear in mind the possibility of

naturally triggered avalanches from catchment areas
above.
For all slopes specified in the avalanche bulletin:
3 AVOID SLOPES GREATER THAN 35;

S LOPES GREATER THAN 30 MUST BE SKIED
ONE AT A TIME
A VOID EXTREMELY STEEP TERRAIN
2 KEEP YOUR DISTANCE on slopes that are so steep

that kick turns make them easier to ascend.
CROSS SLOPES OVER 30 ONE AT A TIME
ILLUSTRATION Tobias Andres
1 Apart from extremely steep terrain, conditions

GENERALLY SAFE from avalanches.
30 40
17
AVALANCHE FACTOR
SNOWPACK
A slab avalanche can be triggered when
there is a weak layer in the snowpack.
THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE A POSITIVE

INFLUENCE ON THE STABILITY OF THE SNOWPACK:
TAKE A LOOK
AT THE SNOWPACK
A thick and uniform
snowpack with few
variations in hardness
is ideal.
Photo Michael Mller Hansi Heckmair
NUMBER
OF CROSSINGS
Heavily used slopes
over the whole area
before the last snowfall
can reduce sliding
layers and hence
ensure greater stability.
18
AVALANCHE FACTOR
HUMAN
HUMANS represent the MOST IMPORTANT AVALANCHE FACTOR in
recognizing and avoiding the risk of an avalanche. EXPERIENCE,

KNOWLEDGE, PERSONAL ABILITY and APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR are
contributing factors for a safe tour. That is why conscientious
ROUTE PLANNING, attentive observation and risk-conscious decision-
making are an essential part of any off-piste activity.
19
PLANNING A TOUR
The basis for preparing any backcountry skiing is the information
from the AVALANCHE REPORT, WEATHER REPORT, TOUR GUIDES
AND TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS.
ALTERNATIVE DESTINATION
If the conditions found on the terrain do not match your assumptions,
then an alternative destination planned out in advance is the
safer solution.
TIME PLANNING
As a general rule, 300 400m/h (300 450yd/h) is
a realistic planning factor.
Always include a time buffer in your calculated time the reality in
the mountains is usually different from how you imagined it from
the comfort of your home. You should also include breaks in your
planning ( 1h).
NEVER GO ALONE
Even minor accidents can have fatal consequences.
GROUP SIZE
The smaller the group, the more flexible you are.
8 people is seen as the maximum.
GROUP DYNAMICS
Always act responsibly and do not be misled into more risk.
CONSIDERATION
Always act with the weakest skier in mind and show consideration.
20
PLANNING A TOUR
SELECTING YOUR DESTINATION
STEEPNESS OVER 100M ALTITUDE
SCALE 1:25000 (CONSTANT SLOPE)
ORTOVOX.COM and the ORTOVOX BERGTOUREN APP (ORTOVOX

ALPINE TOURING APP) offer you many destinations, which
you can choose according to a wide variety of criteria. The
topographic maps shown there are no substitute, however, for
0
conventional maps with as SMALL A SCALE as possible.

1
When planning, it is essential to chose a route suitable for

2
the avalanche situation. SLOPE STEEPNESSES, ASPECT and

3
AVALANCHE TERRAIN TRAPS must be checked in case of any

4
danger situation.
500m
6
TIP
7
Slope steepnesses can be read from tour maps

8
with a SCALE OF 1:25000 (for contour line

Photo SAFETY ACADEMY LAB
9
equidistance of 20meters (65 ft)) with the aid of the

1000m
mark on the side.
CAUTION
0
The contour line equidistance of 25 meters (82 ft)

(Tabacco maps) is not provided for in the scales on
the shown romer.
1
21
STEEPN
E S S OV E
SCALE 1: R 100M
25000 (C ALTITUD
ONSTAN
T SLOPE E
)
25
PLANNING A TOUR
SELECTING YOUR DESTINATION
MEASURING SLOPE STEEPNESS

The slope steepnesses can be discerned from the topographical map
quite simply using a slope inclination ruler (P. 20).
Place the slope ruler at right angles to the contour lines on the
topographical map and slide it up or down along the map until two
adjacent ruler lines line up precisely with two contour lines.
This value corresponds to the steepness of the slope (here 25).
22
PLANNING A TOUR
GRAPHICAL REDUCTION METHOD
The graphical reduction method combines the factors of AVALANCHE
DANGER LEVELS, SLOPE STEEPNESS, CONDITIONS and ASPECT and helps
in estimating the avalanche risk level and attempts to give a recommendation
for action. The graphic shows whether the risk of avalanche under various
conditions (p. 10) is high or low, via the current danger level from the
avalanche bulletin, and the measured slope steepness from the map (p.21)
or directly from the field (p. 23).
If the conditions are not clear, assume that they are unfavorable. If conditions
are favorable, the next lower danger level can be assumed.
>40
SLOPE STEEPNESS PAGE 16
35
till
40
30
till
<35
<30
AVALANCHE BULLETIN PAGE 8
FAVORABLE CONDITIONS PAGE 10 UNFAVORABLE CONDITIONS PAGE 10
LOW HIGH
CAUTION
RISK RISK
ILLUSTRATION Werner Munter
HIGH RISK Recommendation to avoid!

ELEVATED RISK Experience necessary! Skillful route selection and careful
behavior are essential. Observe danger patterns, individual slope assessment
obligatory.
LOW RISK Relatively safe, as long as no specific danger signs are visible.
23
PLANNING A TOUR
GRAPHICAL REDUCTION METHOD
PENDULUM METHOD
APP
The ski pole test (using ski poles of the same length) is an easy way
to estimate the gradient of a slope
APP during a tour. A ski pole is dropped
downhill by the grip in the snow and then picked up again with the
tip of the pole not being moved.
The second pole is held out with the grip against the grip of the first
pole, serving as a pendulum:
If the tip of the pendulum pole touches the surface of the snow below
the imprint made by the first pole, the slope is steeper than 30.
Each 10 cm (=1 handle length) that the pendulum pole tip lies further
downhill than the first pole imprint is equivalent to an additional 3
of slope steepness.
If the pole tip touches the surface within the first pole imprint,
the slope is less than 30.
TIP
Alternatively, the slope steepness can also be measured with
the ORTOVOX ALPINE TOURING APP.
24
PLANNING A TOUR
EMERGENCY AVALANCHE EQUIPMENT
A COMPLETE SET OF EMERGENCY AVALANCHE EQUIPMENT enables
you to locate and save your friends in case of emergency. The individual
standard emergency equipment must ALWAYS be carried when you are
outside the secured skiing area.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT CANNOT PREVENT AN AVALANCHE OR
POTENTIAL BURIAL.
CHECK LIST
A
VALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
3 antennas and a flagging
EMERGENCY-EQUIPMENT
function are standard.

S
HOVEL
INDIVIDUAL
A clearing function saves

you invaluable time.
P
ROBE
A quick and stable
11 min
quick assembly system

25 min
is essential. 1-2 h
A
VALANCHE AIRBAG
An airbag system can reduce
EMERGENCY-
EQUIPMENT
EXTENDED
the burial depth.

H
ELMET
Should always be worn when
on tour.
F
IRST-AID KIT AND
ILLUSTRATION Tobias Wandres
BIVOUAC SACK
EMERGENCY-
FOR GROUPS
EQUIPMENT
Can save lives and make

emergencies more bearable. IMPORTANT Only a complete
set of emergency avalanche
M
OBILE PHONE
equipment enables you to
You can alert the rescue by
locate and save your friends
dialing 112 (Europe) / 911 (US)
in case of emergency.
25
ON THE SLOPES AVALANCHE

TRANSCEIVER PARTNER-CHECK
At the starting point of the tour, the transmitting and receiving
function on ALL AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVERS should be checked:
GROUP LEADER CHECK

1.He switches his transceiver to transmit.
2. All others to receive.
GROUP CHECK
1. Leader switches to Partner-Check ModE, all others to transmit.
2. The group members walk past the leader one by one 510 m
(16 32 ft) interval.
3. After a successful check, the leader also switches to
transmission mode.
BEFORE EVERY TOUR

the batteries should be checked and changed immediately if necessary.
Change batteries if the battery power is below 50%!
26
ON THE SLOPES
BASIC ASCENT PRINCIPLES
1
On THE SLOPES Adapt your route to the terrain. GULLIES,
TROUGHS and unnecessary STEEP SLOPES should be
AVOIDED, as they may hide danger.
2
Go around fresh SNOWDRIFTS and
ACCUMULATIONS OF COMPACTED SNOW
3
Actively watch out for ALARM
SIGNALS (p. 28).
4
Get your bearings regularly both on the
TERRAIN and on the MAP and keep a
regular check on your tracks.
27
5
Check whether the SLOPE STEEPNESS
matches the danger situation (see p. 19).
A slope measuring device, the ORTOVOX
S1+ or your ski poles can be used as
measuring instruments (pendulum
method: p. 23). You can basically tell when
ascending slopes from approx. 30 or
more, as you will automatically switch
from arcing to kick turns.
6
You should either ascend STEEP
SLOPES ONE BY ONE or keep a DISTANCE
of 5 10m (15 30 ft).
7
RECENT AVALANCHES are clear

indicators of a HIGH RISK OF
AVALANCHES. Be sure to keep a
safe distance away by giving the
area a large berth.
28
ON THE SLOPES
ALARM SIGNS
Reading all visible alarm signs is vital on every tour.
Heavy precipitation, especially rain, and rapid increases in
temperature or wind can lead to an increase in the risk
of avalanche.
ADDITIONAL ALARM SIGNS ARE:
CORNICES
are a sign of high winds.
Dangerous snowdrifts
accumulate on the lee side.
SNOW BANNERS
are signs of high wind activity and
snow drifting on the lee side.
DRIFTING SNOW
If the snowdrifting is caused by the
wind, this can often be recognized
by wind tracks on the snow surface
(e.g. zastrugi, dunes or wind scoops).
Photo Patrick Nairz
Drifting snow is one of the main

causes of slab avalanches.
29
RECENT AVALANCHES
Indication of an unfavorable and
unstable snowpack.
The surrounding terrain with a
similar slope aspect and height
should be avoided here.
NATURALLY
TRIGGERED AVALANCHES
usually occur when there is a high
avalanche risk. Especially when
the weather warms up in the
daytime in spring, they serve as
an indicator of danger.
CRACKS
in the snowpack indicate that it
is ready to break. They are often
accompanied by whumping or
settling noises.
WHUMPING OR SETTLING NOISES

the dull whumping sound, when the snow settles, indicates the
biggest danger of all. You should avoid steep terrain (>30) and take a
wide detour.
WATCH OUT
If you are UNSURE of the danger, you should assess the layers of snow
by means of a systematic SNOW COVER ANALYSIS. If there are still
safety concerns, TURNING BACK is the only right decision!
30
ON THE SLOPES
SURROUNDING HAZARD ZONES
The terrain I have to evaluate while touring will differ, depending on
the AVALANCHE DANGER LEVEL.
The relevant evaluation RADIUS INCREASES SIGNIFICANTLY
with INCREASING AVALANCHE DANGER LEVEL.
DANGER LEVEL 1 DANGER LEVEL 2

You only have to exercise caution The surrounding hazard zone for
in the area immediately around level 2 has a radius of 20m (65 ft)
the track. around the track.
DANGER LEVEL 3 DANGER LEVEL 4

The evaluation radius for The hazard zone encompasses
level 3 covers the entire slope. the entire slope or the entire
A greater distance to possible hollow. Avoid possible avalanche
avalanche prone slopes and runout areas and slopes greater
runout areas must be maintained. than 30. Touring possibilities are
greatly restricted at avalanche
danger level 4.
31
ON THE SLOPES
BASIC DESCENT PRINCIPLES
It is possible to descend in a group only in very safe conditions.
A SAFETY INTERVAL of approx. 50 m (160 ft) is recommended
on any descent.
In case of less clearly safe conditions, skiers should descend ONE BY ONE.
The leader should travel out in front and wait at REGULAR intervals AWAY
FROM THE DESCENT ROUTE at SAFE or SHELTERED ASSEMBLY POINTS.
In case of POOR VISIBILITY and POOR SNOW, skiers should descend
IN THE TRACKS at safe intervals one after the other.
Members of the group should WATCH OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER.
In the forest, the BUDDY PRINCIPLE applies: every two group members are
responsible for each other and do not let each other out of their sight.
The leader is NOT TO BE PASSED.

PLEASE NOTE
Falls and jumps impact the snow cover with 67 TIMES
BODY WEIGHT and should be avoided particularly in ridge
areas and steep sections!
32
AVALANCHE ACCIDENT
The chance of survival in
the FIRST 15 MINUTES is
relatively high at 90%, but
15 after that drops drastically.
Only with:

COMPLETE
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
30
A FAST RESCUE
OPERATION

and lots of TRAINING do you
60 min have a realistic chance of
rescuing the victim.
PhotoHansi HeckmaierILLUSTRATIONTobias Wandres

33
AVALANCHE ACCIDENT
HELP FROM COMPANIONS
If the accident was observed, you should note the POINT OF DISAPPEA-
Photo Norbert Pichelsberger
RANCE 1 and coordinate the rescue operation without delay.

If there are several helpers, one alerts the rescue service (eu 112 / us 911).
ALL HELPERS SWITCH THEIR TRANSCEIVERS TO SEARCH.
The search area 2 starts at the POINT OF DISAPPEARANCE 1 or
at the AVALANCHE BACK-UP AREA.
34
AVALANCHE ACCIDENT
SIGNAL SEARCH
10m 10m
20m 20m
20m
10m
First, you should search the avalanche deposit with your EYES AND
EARS for objects or partially buried victims.
At the same time, start the signal search.
Photo Klaus Fengler
Depending on the number of helpers, the avalanche deposit is

searched in PARALLEL (search strip width max. 20 m, or 64 ft),
or by MEANDERING with one person searching.
35
AVALANCHE ACCIDENT
COARSE SEARCH
Modern, digital 3-antenna avalanche transceivers will show

you the direction.
You just have to follow the DIRECTION ARROW!
Distances that get smaller indicate that you are getting
closer to the victim.
36
AVALANCHE ACCIDENT
FINE SEARCH
When 2 3 meters (6 10 FEET) away from the victim, hold the device as
CLOSE as possible OVER THE SURFACE of snow and search CROSSWAYS
Photo Hansi Heckmaier
until you find the lowest value.

This value displayed equates to the victims depth. You should
ideally mark this point using CROSSED POLES or a SHOVEL.
37
AVALANCHE ACCIDENT
PROBING LOCATION
25cm
Mark the point with the smallest distance measurement (with crossed ski
poles, shovel etc.). Starting from this point, probe the area systematically
from the INSIDE TO THE OUTSIDE in the 25cm (~10 in) grid spacing shown.
The probe remains in place and is used for ORIENTATION purposes.

TIP Always probe at a 90 ANGLE to the surface of the snow
38
AVALANCHE ACCIDENT
DIGGING OUT
Read of the victims DEPTH from the probe 1 and walk down the slope
by this figure and start shoveling in a V-shape.
Photo Hansi Heckmaier
With SEVERAL HELPERS, replace the shoveller at the top after

1MINUTE at the latest.
The positions should be taken as follows:
CUT OUT BLOCKS, SHOVEL, and CLEAR SNOW AWAY.
TIP Shovels with a CLEARING FUNCTION can save valuable time here.
39
AVALANCHE ACCIDENT
FIRST AID
Following extrication, snow should immediately be REMOVED from
the mouth and AIRWAYS, and lifesaving measures should be initiated
(breathing, consciousness, circulation).
Do not move the victim more than necessary, and WARM HIM OR HER
GENTLY, while preventing further cooling. A hole made by shoveling
serves as good protection from the wind when positioning the victim.
Give the victim warm, sugary LIQUIDS
CARRY AWAY gently
ALPINE EMERGENCY SIGNAL * AIR RESCUE
BREAK
1min 1min 1min
ANSWER *
BREAK
1min 1min 1min
YES NO
*shout, light, whistle, signs (HELP) (HELP)
EMERGENCY CALL DO I HAVE RECEPTION?

YES NO
EUROPEAN 1. Turn off cell phone

EMERGENCY 2. Turn on cell phone
NUMBER 112 NO EMERGENCY CALL
(without entering PIN) POSSIBLE!
MOUNTAIN SEARCH 3. Dial 112
AND RESCUE Change locations
Is the number dialing?
Bavaria 112 (possible reception on
Austria 140 peaks or near
Swizerland 1414 civilization)
NO
Italy 112 ensure accessibility
France 112
Slowenia 112
USA 911
YES MAKE
EMERGENCY CALL
BEING PREPARED with the
SIGN
NOW A IN
PHOTO: Bernd Ritschel
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S!
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Avalanse PDF

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BASIC AVALANCHE KNOWLEDGE

Watch the AVABAG VIDEO

SAFETY ACADEMY Guide Book

It should at most impart and

No matter whether you go

A safety initiative by the CONSIDERED BEHAVIOR alone

The picture shows the most dangerous type of avalanche for

AVALANCHE BASICS AVALANCHES

WEATHER A lot of new snow combined with wind and cold

TERRAIN Untouched and steep. Probably 30 or more.

HUMAN Even when highly motivated, people should always

By carbon neutral printing, AVALANCHE ACCIDENT

Photo Patrick Nairz Paddy Schulz

BEAR IN MIND: The weight of new snow, rain, warm temperatures

TIPIn the SAFETY ACADEMY LAB on ortovox.com you can

LEVEL SNOW COVER

Many large natural avalanches can be expected, even on

Avalanches are probable from just a low additional load on many

Avalanches may be triggered by just a small additional load,

Possible particularly in case of large additional loads, especially

Avalanches can generally only be triggered in case of large additional

CRITICAL AMOUNT OF NEW SNOW

MASSIVE it is very critical, however, to be able

SLOW, helps to set the snowpack and hence

WARMING causes the snowpack to consolidate

COLD preserves existing risks and delays the

PARTICULAR CAUTION IS REQUIRED

Behind ridges, in troughs and gullies, behind slope sides

ON THE WINDWARD SIDE (compacted snow)

TRACE YOUR ROUTE

Solution on the next page.

THE IDEAL ROUTE MAKES THE BEST USE OF

THE TOUR AVOIDS

Still 30% of all avalanches go off on a SOUTHERN ASPECT (SE to S to SW).

5 Backcountry skiing, free riding and snowmobiling

AVOID SLOPES OVER 30.

4 Even in flatter areas, bear in mind the possibility of

For all slopes specified in the avalanche bulletin:

3 AVOID SLOPES GREATER THAN 35;

A  VOID EXTREMELY STEEP TERRAIN

2 KEEP YOUR DISTANCE on slopes that are so steep

1 Apart from extremely steep terrain, conditions

THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE A POSITIVE

recognizing and avoiding the risk of an avalanche. EXPERIENCE,

ORTOVOX.COM and the ORTOVOX BERGTOUREN APP (ORTOVOX

conventional maps with as SMALL A SCALE as possible.

When planning, it is essential to chose a route suitable for

the avalanche situation. SLOPE STEEPNESSES, ASPECT and

AVALANCHE TERRAIN TRAPS must be checked in case of any

Slope steepnesses can be read from tour maps

with a SCALE OF 1:25000 (for contour line

equidistance of 20meters (65 ft)) with the aid of the

mark on the side.

The contour line equidistance of 25 meters (82 ft)

MEASURING SLOPE STEEPNESS

AVALANCHE BULLETIN PAGE 8

FAVORABLE CONDITIONS PAGE 10 UNFAVORABLE CONDITIONS PAGE 10

HIGH RISK Recommendation to avoid!

function are standard.

A clearing function saves

quick assembly system

the burial depth.

Can save lives and make

WEATHER A lot of new snow combined with wind and cold

TERRAIN Untouched and steep. Probably 30 or more.

HUMAN Even when highly motivated, people should always

TIPIn the SAFETY ACADEMY LAB on ortovox.com you can

ON THE WINDWARD SIDE (compacted snow)

4 Even in flatter areas, bear in mind the possibility of

A VOID EXTREMELY STEEP TERRAIN

2 KEEP YOUR DISTANCE on slopes that are so steep

Members of the group should WATCH OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER.

The leader is NOT TO BE PASSED.

Depending on the number of helpers, the avalanche deposit is

Modern, digital 3-antenna avalanche transceivers will show

With SEVERAL HELPERS, replace the shoveller at the top after