Hazards to look for when taking on spring backcountry missions
With spring storms, the properties of the slab change quickly. Snow often falls on a crust, and more and more slab avalanches are triggered.
With spring storms, the properties of the slab change quickly. Snow often falls on a crust, and more and more slab avalanches are triggered.
IFMGA-licensed mountain guide and BCA ambassador Joey Thompson has specialized in the art of moving through mountains for over 27 years. Read his tips on timing, watching the weather, and gear selection.
"Oh, it's spring. Cool. The snowpack's all settled out, right?" But that's a dangerous mindset. Many people still get caught in avalanches in the springtime. BCA sled ambassador Jeremy Mercier reports on how to best plan and prepare.
How often do you head out into the backcountry with a really good idea of how long it's going to take you? Here's a good method for calculating ski tour time based on distance and elevation gain. BCA ambassador Sarah Carpenter reports.
Deep backcountry access riding a sled always comes with the chance of getting lost. Having the proper sled navigation tools is essential. Mike Duffy reports.
Strategic shovelling is critical as it consumes most of the time during an avalanche rescue. Learn the new Strike Team Shovelling Method that takes the best of the strategic shovelling and V-shaped conveyor methods commonly taught in avalanche rescue courses. BCA ambassador Jordy Shepherd reports.