Trip Planning
Here are a few things you might want to consider when planning a trip into possible avalanche terrain. The thing to remember here is that your objective is determined by the information you gather from the avalanche forecast, weather forecast, and strength of the party. On steep snow it's not always possible to do what you want to do. In avalanche terrain you don't determine your objective, the conditions do!
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Trip
Planning
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Avalanche
Forecast
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Weather
Forecast
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Strength
of Party
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| Use avalanche center phone numbers, local experts, etc. Once you get the hazard assessment for the area you are planning to be in, find out what is causing the hazard and what weather conditions will make it worse or make it better. | Try to get accurate forecasts for the area you are planning the trip for. Use the Internet or call local weather phones. For longer trips consider carrying a weather radio |
Be realistic of the parties strength, not only the physical strength, but what experience each member has in hazard assessment and climbing or skiing skills.
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Objective
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Route
Planning
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Time
Plan
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Contingencies
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| This is where you pull out a map. Plan your route finding bearings, handrails, altitudes,etc. Also you may want to locate hazards such as avalanche, falling, cornice,etc. | Begin with the time you need to be done with your tour and work backwards to figure your start time. Figure travel time at 2-3 mph on good snow plus 1 hour for each 1000 ft in elevation gain. Ski descents - 3000 ft vertical/hour | When planning for contingencies you should do both your map work and time plan. Map and time all obvious escape routes or alternate objectives. |