Avalanche Safety 101Witnessing and being in an Avalanche can be quite shocking. Avalanches are so spontaneous and they can go from 0 mph to over 100 mph within seconds. They are super dangerous and can be life threatening. Yet, there are ways you can reduce your chances of encountering them and ways to survive if you do get caught in one. Let's learn about how we can be ready and prepared for any Avalanche striking. How does an Avalanche occur? An Avalanche occurs when a layer of snow collapses and slides down a slope such as a mountain or hill. What causes an Avalanche? Snowstorm or wind direction, heavy snowfall, human activity, vibrations or movements, steep slops, warm temperatures, or different stacked layers of snow and ice. What angle do most Avalanches happen at? Most Avalanches occur between 22 degrees and 55 degrees for the slope angle, and at the highest around 35 to 36 degrees. When do Avalanches occur the most? Usually around the spring and winter when snowfall is the highest. What are the top causes of death from an Avalanche? Asphyxia is the top cause of death from an Avalanche which is a slow form of carbon dioxide poisoning, and then trauma from the fall and hypothermia. How can you avoid an Avalanche? Avoid hiking after a storm, avoid slopes with pitches greater than 25 degrees, stay to the windward sides of ridges, avoid treeless slopes, watch for cracks or slabs, listen for hollow or thumping noises as you walk, and dig snow pits to be on the lookout of weak layers. What devices can you use to save yourself if you get caught in one? Avalanche transceiver, Snow Probe, Snow Shovel, Safeback SBX, or Airbag Pack. Make sure to practice using any of these before hand so you know how to handle it so when the time comes you are ready! What is the survival rate for an Avalanche? If a victim can be rescued within 18 minutes, the survival rate is around 91 percent. Then between 19 to 35 minutes the survival rate drops to around 34 percent. After 1 hour, only 1 in 3 victims are found alive in the avalanche. So if you witness one, and see someone get caught in it. It is crucial to spot the victim and tell the rescue team as soon as possible! Avalanches are no joke! So I would recommend taking an Avalanche safety course if you plan on going into the backcountry or just want to be more educated if you are new to hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, or snowboarding in the winter. You never know when one could pop up, but if you know the signs ahead of time then you will have a safe experience on the mountain! Sources: National Geographic. Avalanche. Website: www.nationalgeographic.org. July 25, 2023. REI. Avalanche Safety and Gear Check. Website: www.rei.com. November 24, 2020. Simon Fraser University. Causes of Avalanche. Website: www.MtKalmont.com.
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Altitude Illness and How to Handle ItFor those who want to take their hiking to the next level, climbing to new heights is usually the next goal. Summiting high peaks is thrilling, exciting, confidence boosting, and an adrenaline rush. Yet, there are some things you need to be aware of as you go higher up in elevation. One of the biggest risk when going to new altitudes is coming down with altitude illness. This article is going to break down the myths, facts, and overall information of what you need to know about altitude illness, how to avoid getting it, and what to do if you come down with it.
Altitude Illness Myth: Altitude illness is due to the lack of oxygen Fact: Altitude illness is due to the decrease in partial pressure of oxygen as altitude increases which causes hypobaric hypoxia. What Happens to Your Body at High Altitude? You sleep less, breathing becomes faster, blood becomes thicker, heart rates up, and you urinate more often. (These are not symptoms, this is a natural response that the body goes through when you go to higher elevations) How Does Altitude Illness Happen? When you ascend too quickly and your body doesn't have enough time to adjust to these new pressure changes. When can Altitude Illness Kick in? Anytime you are over 8,000 ft. in elevation can you start to have altitude illness. What are the types of Altitude Illness? Acute Mountain Sickness- The most mild form and can consist of headache, muscle aches, nausea, and dizziness High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)- Buildup of fluid on the lungs that could lead to death High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)- Buildup of fluid on the brain that could lead to death Symptoms of Altitude Illness: Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Loss of appetite, Fatigue, Problems with Sleeping, and Shortness of Breath HAPE and HACE Symptoms: Inability to walk, Severe Headache, Vomiting, Tightening Chest, Confusion, Shortness of Breath, Cough, Hallucinations, Extreme Fatigue, Fever, Blue or Gray lips and fingernails, and Coma How to Avoid it from Happening: The best way to reduce your chances of developing altitude illness is by acclimatization. This helps your body adjust slowly to the pressure changes as you climb higher. Here are some tips for Acclimatization:
What if your symptoms aren't getting better? Descend down the mountain and depending on how severe your symptoms are get medical attention right away. What do you do if you can't descend right away? There are certain medications that can help with your symptoms such as acetazolamide, ibuprofen, dexamethasone, supplemental oxygen, oral nifedipine, and inhaled salmeterol. Each of these medications help your body with a certain symptom so please talk to your doctor or a medical professional so you know what to take. *For more information, speak with your doctor so you can be prepared if you are going into higher elevations and want to prevent altitude illness.* Sources: Felson, Sabrina. Altitude Sickness: What to Know. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/altitude-sickness. October 30, 2021. |