better your odds, minimize the risk...

today jawn and i attended a avalanche class. the instructors where all very knowledgeable (sarah was mine)

better your odds, minimize the risks: some of the things that i learned to recognize reg flags are:
1.) recent avalanches, if there are new avalanches, more are possible.
2.) signs of unstable snow as you travel.
*mother natures warning signs include: cracking or collapsing snow pack, whumpfing sounds, hollow drum-like sounds on hard snow
3.) heavy snowfall or rain in the past 24 hours: significant snowfall or rain can make the snow pack unstable. avalanches are often triggered the first clear day after a storm. because its is sunny does not mean it is safe.
4.)wind blown snow: wind blown snow loads leeward slopes, even when it is not snowing out.
5.) significant warming or rapidly increasing temperatures: warm temperatures and gravity can cause the snow to creep downhill and become less stable.

sarah demonstrated, a few different techniques used to check to see the different layers of snow. it is very important to not just use these tests, but to be aware of all your surroundings.
looking at the layers
shovel sheer test
a block of snow falling off, this is a good indication of a week layer of snow
another test. sarah did a great job showing us a few different ways to look at the snow layers and determine if this particular slow is okay to ski. the day was extremly cold. about 8 degrees. i stayed warm (not hot) most the day, however there was about an hour where i thought to myself, "my toes might not thaw out until april)
all bundled up. i had two down coats on. gnar, gnar, sicki, sicki, pow, pow. it was cold!!!
jawn and i at lunch break.

a few more things to know:

1.) you only have about 15 minutes for a good chance to recover someone alive
2.)yell (if an avalanche) alert others, watch the victim, establish a last see point
3.) make sure it is safe to search, don't become a victim yourself
4.) establish a leader, make a plan
5.) look for the check surface clues, gloves, boots, equipment. put them back in place. LISTEN
6.) conduct a beacon search. get close and probe BEFORE you dig.
7.) if the victim is not wearing a beacon do not five up. probe around surface clues and in likely catchment areas.
8.) are you prepared to perform first aid and possibly spend the night out?

there is so much information out there on avalanche safe travel. check out this website www.sawtoothavalanche.com this is an awesome go to area for additional information.

well the day was great, im so happy that i have more knowledge for back country winter travel. by the way mom my beacon should come in the mail anybday.