Avalanche terrain presents a significant danger, making safety preparedness an essential aspect of winter backcountry adventures. Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, etc understanding and utilizing avalanche safety tools can save lives. Among these tools, the avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe are required.
No group should travel into the backcountry unless everyone in the group has all 3 tools. Consider them required!
The Avalanche Beacon: Your Lifeline in the Snow
What Is an Avalanche Beacon?
An OER Avalanche Beacon rental (also known as an avalanche transceiver) consists of an electronic device that emits and receives radio signals and a harness to wear the device on your body. Its primary purpose is to help locate individuals buried under snow following an avalanche. Currently, OER rents out the BCA Tracker3+ avalanche beacon.
How It Works
Transmit mode: Turn this on when you head out at the beginning of the day. The beacon will continuously emit a signal and is worn by every member of the group
Search Mode: Turn the beacon to search mode to locate the signal of a buried individual – the beacon will indicate direction and distance to a transmitting beacon.
Best Practices for Use`
Training is key: Regular practice is essential to ensure you can effectively use a beacon during an emergency. OER recommends taking an Avalanche Safety Course (avalanche1.org) and/or taking time to get to know and practice using your rental gear.
Check Before Use: beacons should be checked to make sure they are transmitting and turned on before heading out each day. All group members should assure that they and everyone else has a powered on beacon with good battery life remaining.
The Avalanche Probe: Precision in Pinpointing
What Is an Avalanche Probe?
The avalanche beacon gets you close, but an avalanche probe is a collapsible pole used to pinpoint the exact location and depth of a buried individual. All OER Avalanche Probe rentals are BCA aluminum probes.
How It Works – the probe is deployed by snapping its segments into place. The probe is then systematically probed into the snow until you make contact with the buried victim. The Depth markings on the probe will help you asses how deep the victim is.
Best Practices for Use – Practice deploying your probe so you know how it works. Probe in a grid pattern to increase chances of finding the victim quickly.
The Avalanche Shovel: Essential for Digging Rescues
Why Carry a Shovel?
Once a buried victim is located using the beacon, digging them out becomes the next critical step. Snow hardens rapidly after an avalanche, making a sturdy and efficient shovel essential. OER avalanche shovels are all BCA extendable handle aluminum designs.
Best Practices for Use – start digging downhill from probes indicated spot to avoid collapsing snow on the victim. Store your rescue shovel in an easily accessible compartment in your pack. While many carry a shovel on their tunnel bag, it is critical to also have one in your pack – in an avalanche you may get separated from your sled
Integration of Tools: The Importance of Teamwork
Using an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe together requires coordination and practice. Conduct regular training sessions with your group to ensure each member understands their role in a rescue scenario. Remember, seconds matter in avalanche rescues, and preparedness can make the difference between life and death.
Groups should always demand that all members have these 3 basic tools before heading out into the backcountry. The tools are there for you to increase your chances of being saved, as well as to be there to save your friends. You shouldn’t head out unless your group has the tools to save your life, and they should also demand you have the tools to save theirs.
