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In this issue:
 > Happy New Year!
 > Get Avi-Savy
 > Essential 10 and a Plan
 > Self-Reliance Before SAR

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Happy New Year intrepid adventurers!

No doubt with all the snow we’ve been getting there are many of you who’ve taken to those big hills we call mountains in search of the ultimate pow.

And no doubt you’ve also heard or read about the several unfortunate lives lost to the elements already this season. The reality is that this year’s snow pack is highly unstable and the avalanche risk is extreme. Coupled with the fact that the number of backcountry users is on the rise, these conditions carry high potential for SAR (Search and Rescue) incidents.

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Get Avi-Savy!

If you’re planning an adventure in the alpine this winter, get into the habit of proper preparation so that you don’t become a SAR statistic. And it all starts with knowledge, training and simple logic.

With these high avalanche conditions, it is imperative that you carry and know how to use avalanche equipment (probe, transceiver, and shovel) and that everyone in your group does the same.

Shovel, Probe, Transeiver

In fact, before you head out you should practice using your avi gear with your traveling companions. It’s no use if you get buried in an avalanche and are the only one with the skills to use the gear! Choose your trip partners with care – it’s in everyone’s best interest.

Hand-in-hand with avi gear expertise is the ability to read and understand the snow pack. And, of course, when you do understand the conditions, you must have the courage to walk away when they are not favourable. There will always be another pow day…but perhaps not if you take unnecessary risks.

Check the weather and avalanche conditions before you set out on your trip. Visit our website for a direct link to current avalanche bulletins and reminders about avalanche safety.
   
   

Essential 10 and a Plan

Trip PlanIn addition to your avi gear, you should always carry the 10 essentials and perform proper trip planning. This includes completing a thorough trip plan and leaving it with someone responsible. Once you’ve left that plan behind, don’t deviate from it without informing your contact!

When packing your trip gear, ensure that you are well prepared to stay outdoors at least overnight, and perhaps even longer, in the event of needing rescue. The conditions will dictate if SAR volunteers will be deployed and, if so, how quickly they can reach you…and the bottom line is you’ll need to be self-sufficient until they do.

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Self-Reliance Before SAR

Ultimately, when you choose to venture into the backcountry, you are responsible for your own safety and well-being. The realistic window of opportunity to rescue someone buried in an avalanche is a mere 30 minutes. While we do have amazing Search and Rescue teams out there, they may not be "readily" available due to hazardous conditions in the avalanche area. SAR volunteers cannot rescue if they don’t arrive safely, so the Avalanche Technician is very strict about risk assessment for the SAR team!

Though SAR volunteers are highly-skilled they are not immune to the hazards of terrain and the elements. They are passionate about helping people, but not to the degree of jeopardizing their own lives in the process. No matter how dire the situation, the reality is that SAR may not be deployed if the risk to their volunteers is too great. SAR is an incredibly valuable resource, but not a guarantee.

   
   

Wow. Heavy Stuff!

SkiingThe topic of this latest newsletter might seem pretty serious…and it is! The backcountry conditions are very dangerous this winter and should be taken seriously.

We’re not trying to deter you from getting outdoors this winter; we simply want to ensure that you’re well informed and prepared before you go! With proper training, planning and preparation you can still enjoy the deep, sweet powdery snow…it’s all about being AdventureSmart!

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