Backcountry Safety

Latest Posts

Electronic Interference in a Nutshell

Cell phones, heated gloves, smart watches, and even snowmobiles can create electronic interference (EMI) that can disrupt an avalanche transceiver search--unless the searcher takes preventative action. In an encouraging collaboration this fall between manufacturers, avalanche centers, educators, and other stakeholders, a working group organized by the Canadian Avalanche Association produced a basic set of guidelines to clarify these issues to the public.

BCA Japan presents "IF"

Join pro snowboarders Shin Biyajima (@shinbiyajima), Tadashi Fuse (@tadshifuse) and Hisanori Katsuyama as they navigate the Japanese backcountry and search for their "IF" moment. In Japanese, "IF" (畏怖) is an idiom meaning "to be afraid" and is used to describe something that has overwhelming power over you. For these riders, IF is a critical factor to protect themselves from dangerous snowpacks in backcountry terrain.

U.S. Motorized Avalanche Fatalities Report - Winter 21-22

U.S. snowmobile avalanche fatalities were down 54% (all users) in the 21-22 season compared to the 20-21 season. But common accident problems and patterns contributed to the 6 motorized avalanche deaths - all triggered on persistent weak layers by uneducated and ill-prepared riders. Mike Duffy reports on the impacting factors.

Avalanches can pose a hazard until the snowpack is gone.

BCA avalanche forecast partner Friends of Flathead Avalanche Center shares their advice spring to summer avalanche hazards.

BCA Tracker4 Safety Recall Notice

BCA, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, is issuing a voluntary recall of a small number of Tracker4 units due to a switch plastics production issue.