Avalanche safety gear – don't let anything surprise you

We can certainly agree that the last thing you want to encounter on your winter hike is an avalanche. That is why it is necessary to prepare for this situation – both theoretically and materially. Prevention is paramount – knowing how to assess the snow conditions on the planned route and avoiding places with a risk of avalanches. You will learn this at avalanche courses, which are now widely available.

Don't forget:In the mountains, you are responsible not only for yourself, but also for others. That is why it is crucial to master the principles of avalanche first aid.

What is avalanche gear?

Avalanche gear is a set of three things that allow you to find and dig out people buried by an avalanche. It consists of:

• avalanche transceiver,
• probe,
• avalanche shovel.

You can easily pack this gear in your ski backpack or invest in a backpack with air-bag system which will give you another safety element. This system works in such a way that, in the event of an avalanche, the activation unit, which is within easy reach, inflates the airbag. It keeps you on the surface of the avalanche, and at the same time protects you from pieces of ice and snow.

The help of a friend is a key factor in saving a life. Therefore, every member of your group with whom you go on a hike should have this gear (and know how to use it).

MUZIKER TIP:
Rescuing the buried victims after an avalanche is a matter of time. During the first 18 minutes after being buried, the chance of survival in an avalanche is the greatest, thereafter, it drops sharply. A complete avalanche gear reduces the time of digging the buried to ⅙ of the time of digging and searching without probe and shovel.

What is an avalanche transceiver?

The transceiver is used for more precise localization of a person buried in an avalanche. It is a radio transmitter that all participants of the tour turn on in the “transmitter” mode at the beginning.

The avalanche transceiver sends an electronic signal about once per second. If someone is swept away by an avalanche, the others (including the called mountain rescuers) switch their devices to receiver mode. It picks up the signal of the buried transceiver, and it gets stronger the closer the rescuer is to the place to be searched.

The range of most range transceivers available is within 40–80 meters depending on the brand.

• Good to know:All avalanche transceivers work on the same international frequency.

Functions of an avalanche transceiver

Several types of transceivers are on the market, from basic – simpler ones to more complex – professional ones. The basic functions that transceivers should have nowadays are:

• 3 antennas – they are faster, with a cleaner and more accurate transmitted signal,
• “broadcast” and “search” mode switch,
• automatic switching to broadcast mode,
• maximum range of 40 m and more,
• a clear display that shows the number of the buried, the direction and distance to them,
• checking the switched-on devices in the group before the hike,
• marking the buried/searching for multiple victims,
• possibility to update the software.

MUZIKER TIP:
You can also find the best functions in the avalanche transceiver Ortovox Diract.

How to use the avalanche transceiver?

Always wear the avalanche transmitter as close to the body as possible, ideally in a specialized case. However, be careful not to place it near a mobile phone or other electronic device that could interfere with its signal.

Before you go on a hike, thoroughly familiarize yourself with the transceiver and practice its correct use in safe conditions. Part of the avalanche courses is also training in working with a transceiver in the field.

Before you head to the mountains, check if the transceiver is sufficiently charged. When you don't use it for a long time, remove the batteries, so they don't leak and damage it.

What is an avalanche probe?

The probe is a quickly deployable, collapsible, long (minimum 240 cm) and thin rod that enables the determination of the exact location and depth of the buried person.

They are most often made of aluminium or carbon, but there are also electric avalanche probes. Determining the depth where the buried person is located helps the searcher to increase the chances of survival of the searched person.

What is an avalanche shovel good for?

After you have successfully located the buried person using the transceiver, you can use the probe to determine the depth at which they are located. Remember, you need to dig them out as quickly as possible. Digging out a buried person without an avalanche shovel is almost impossible, which is why it must be part of your gear, if you are moving in the mountains outside the groomed slopes in winter.

Avalanche shovels on the market vary, but they all have an aluminium blade. The bigger the shovel, the more snow it shovels in one movement. The optimal size is 28 × 25 cm. Useful is the telescopic handle or the ability to attach a pocket axe to the shovel handle and thus get a fully functioning ice axe, just like the shovel Ortovox Pro Alu III.

MUZIKER TIP:
Don't compromise, save and buy the whole avalanche safety kit.