The GNFAC is getting ready for our 22nd winter of operation and is excited to see the snow start falling. Winter is nipping at our heels and it is time to start tuning up our avalanche awareness skills. The GNFAC and Friends of The Avalanche Center are offering avalanche awareness classes starting in early November, with class options continuing into February (education calendar).
As more snow starts to accumulate in the mountains, it becomes increasingly important to pay close attention to the building snowpack. Early season can be a dangerous time since our skills may not be fully dialed and thin, shallow snowpacks are often breeding grounds for avalanches. In addition, there are further user groups exposed to avalanche risk in early season - hunters and hikers may easily find themselves in prime avalanche terrain before the deep winter pack settles in.
When traveling in avalanche terrain, it is critical to pay attention to what is above you and below you. A small slide this time of year may not be enough to bury you, but it could easily drag you into trees, rocks or terrain traps, prematurely ending your season or worse. The saying, “If there is enough snow to ski or ride then there is enough snow to slide” is especially poignant this time of year.
The GNFAC will begin to issue weather and avalanche forecasts as conditions warrant. In the mean time we wish everyone a safe and happy fall and hope to see you at an upcoming avalanche class or two.