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Ski Poles Buying Guide
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Avalanche Safety Equipment Buying Guide
Introduction
Exploring the backcountry is a rewarding experience to have out on a mountain. However, when out in the backcountry there is the risk of avalanches. Having the correct safety equipment is essential for staying safe. The three crucial pieces of gear every member of your group needs to have (and know how to use) are a transceiver, shovel and probe.
How Can I Help Ensure my Safety in the Backcountry?
If you're caught in an avalanche and are buried you have about 20 minutes before you die from carbon dioxide poisoning. That may sound like a long time but in a search across a large mountain that time soon disappears.
There are lots of ways to mitigate the risk of avalanches (terrain management, weather conditions, snow profile, snow loading, face direction, etc.). But however diligent you are there is always the chance of being caught in a slide.
This is why it is important to have the necessary equipment and training to carry out an effective rescue.
Transcievers
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Digital or Analogue Transceivers?
Almost all transceivers are now digital rather than analogue. The digital aspect allows the transmitting signal to be analysed and converted into directions and distance on a display screen (simplifying the search process). An analogue output is a series of beeps that intensifies the closer you get to the victim.
Another change that has occurred in beacon technology is the number of antennas. Most now have 2 or 3, that each transmit a signal on different planes. This means that whatever angle the victim gets buried, at least one signal is easily available to the rescuers (dramatically speeding up the search).
Most transceivers perform the transmit and search function to a high standard, improving the chance of rescue. Where they differ is in multiple burial scenarios, screen display, audio assistance and signal range.
Each manufacturer has their own take on the best method for multiple burial searches, with the ability to mark (flag) and ignore signals if instructed. This technology needs to work in tandem with advanced training and search (micro search and three circles) methods to work effectively.
Some transceivers supplement the display with an audio system found in the old-style analogue beacons. This is an extra that some people prefer while some find it distracting, it's personal taste.
One attribute of transceivers that is often misinterpreted is signal range. If you have a longer range you will be able to find someone who is further away. Most training courses recommend performing a 40m search path (well below the range of some of the high-end transceivers) to protect against parties in your group who may only have a 40m range beacon (the minimum transceiver range).
When considering which transceiver to buy, your experience and intended backcountry should guide which beacon you opt for. Some models with advanced options and detailed screen analysis may complicate the search process if you're a novice. On the other hand, these extra features may speed up the search in skilled hands. It's all about finding the model that is right for you.
How to use a transciever
Avalanche probe
Avalanche probe
Probes are generally either made of aluminium or carbon fibre. Aluminium keeps the probe light in your pack while it remains rigid enough to penetrate hard snow. Carbon fibre is lighter than aluminium, but it is more expensive and can sometimes require more force to penetrate compacted snowpack.
For a probe to be functional it needs to be at least 2m long. Most skiers tend to go for a 240cm probe that strikes a balance between portability and depth.
Almost all probes use a cable system for deployment. The probe is thrown out across the snow and a steel or Kevlar cable, that runs through all the sections of the probes, is pulled taught locking the probe into place.
A recent development in probe design is Patented Flash Assembly (PFA). This system allows you to open the probe from its cover in one fast and smooth motion, saving a few more vital seconds.
How to use an avalanche probe
Avalanche shovel
Avalanche shovel
A high-quality shovel blade should be made from aluminium (strong and lightweight) or another type of tough metal alloy. This is preferable to toughened plastic which can bend with a load and retains the possibility of snapping.
The blade may have a straight or serrated edge but either way, you want to look for one that has a sharp cutting edge. This will help you penetrate compacted snow and ice, improving your efficiency and recovery time.
Other design features of a blade are high sidewalls that stop snow slipping, centre and side ridgelines that add rigidity and strength, and a medium to large volume for an optimal and manageable movement of snow.
There is a range of handles avalanche shovels come with each with their own benefits:
· D Handle: the most efficient and effective handle it gives you maximum leverage and grip
· Hybrid, T Bar handle: slightly lighter and smaller than the D handle it can adapt to a left and right-hand preference
· T bar handle: the most compact and lightweight handle
Almost all avalanche shovels come with telescopic (aluminium) shafts that click into place, extending the length and leverage of the shovel. When not in use you can dismantle the blade from the shaft to fit the shovel in your pack.
How to use an avalanche shovel
Avalanche safety information
For more information on avalanche safety and courses on how to improve your knowledge and technique have a look at Henry's Avalanche Talk or Glenmore Lodge.
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