avalanche tools
avalanche tools
The three basic avalanche tools a ski tourist should always carry are a transceiver (also referred to as a beacon or "Pieps" by some), a shovel, and a probe. Until you are able to buy, borrow, or rent these, it is probable that no experienced backcountry skier will take you seriously, much less go touring with you. Without each of these items, you are not only endangering your life, but the lives of all those in your group - remember, they are counting on you to find and dig them out in case of a burial.
The transceiver is the largest financial commitment; most popular units sell for around $300 or more and rarely go on sale. They can both transmit and receive a signal from another transceiver (457kHz is the current and only valid frequency for human avalanche rescue; some older units utilize 2.275kHz or use both frequencies). Transceivers should be turned on and worn on the body, preferably under a layer of clothing, while traveling in avalanche terrain and each member of a party should be checked for a working signal before heading out each day. It's a good idea to always carry a spare set of batteries for your unit in your pack (it's also nice to standardize the other electronic gadgets you carry, such as your GPS and headlamp, to fit one size of batteries).
Transceivers fall into two groups, analog or digital, and some offer both search functions. A purely analog transceiver like the workhorse Ortovox F1 Focus (above left) is relatively inexpensive and has a superior send/receive range, but is somewhat non-intuitive for new users. The F1 remains popular among skiers and mountaineers, but does require a fair amount of practice to be effective.
Digital transceivers utilize a microprocessor to translate the victim's transmitted signal into visual data. They display a directional signal of some sort as well as distance to the victim in meters or feet (analog beacons get louder as you approach the victim, you turn down the volume as you get closer and start a fine search when you have the volume all the way down). For most users, including many experienced skiers, digital units are far more intuitive and result in faster recovery times, but still require regular practice to be effective.
Regardless of which transceiver you end up with, you should be sure to practice with it regularly and in realistic surroundings (meaning in snow, not just in your backyard). You and your ski partners should make a point of taking turns burying a backpack or glove with a transceiver set to "send" inside and letting a "rescuer" find and uncover it. When your partner is buried by an avalanche and time is precious, there is no such thing as having had too much practice.
The second essential item is a shovel. You will need a strong collapsible shovel (metal blades strongly preferred) to dig out a victim, perform snow stability tests, and dig tent platforms or snow caves, not to mention building kickers. Weight is only one factor to consider; blade size and strength are equally important considerations. Grips come in "T", "L" and "D" configurations and each has its proponents; most quality shovels come with an extendable handle as well.
For conducting a fine search, searching for victims in deep avalanche debris, and some snow stability or crevasse work, you will also need an avalanche probe. These are aluminum or carbon fiber sectional poles that assemble in seconds and are held together with a length of cord. There are also probe poles that screw together from two ski pole shafts which some people carry instead of a probe, but these take somewhat longer to assemble (you must remove the baskets, take apart the poles, and screw them together) and are limited to a length of around 6 ft. A good dedicated probe is normally around 260-300cm in length, or close to 10 feet.
With each of these tools, there is no substitute for regular practice. Being able to access each of these items quickly and use them effectively in an emergency is critical in an avalanche burial scenario. It is your life and those of your friends that depend on your mastery of these skills.
I don't consider myself an avalanche expert, and much of the firsthand knowledge I've garnered over the years has been obtained with a measure of luck. I strongly urge those without experience in avalanche prediction, avoidance and rescue to take a class in the subject, and practice what they learn there. Many different options in avalanche education are available through local organizations and private guiding services. Carrying the proper tools does not necessarily make you less vulnerable to death or suffocation by snow burial.
© 2007 Gregory C. Louie