A photo of a mountain range

Avalanche Safety

Avalanches can happen whenever there is snow lying on the ground at a sufficient angle. Every year there are avalanche accidents in the Scottish hills. While there is always an avalanche risk in winter, some of these accidents could have been avoided by awareness and planning.

Bear in mind that if there is significant snowfall during a day out, the conditions can change very quickly and make your planned route hazardous. The route which you followed earlier in the day may be avalanche prone when you return.

A photo of a skiier looking at the horizon

Common causes of an avalanche

  • Visible avalanche activity. If you see avalanche activity on a slope where you intend to go, go somewhere else.
  • New snow build-up. More than 2 cm/hr may produce unstable conditions. More than 30 cm. continuous build-up is regarded as very hazardous. 90% of all avalanches occur during snowstorms.
  • Slab (Stronger snow overlying weaker snow) lying on ice or compact snow, with or without aggravating factors such as thaw.
  • Discontinuity between layers, usually caused by loose graupel (rounded, heavily rimed pellets) or airspace.
  • Sudden temperature rise. The nearer this brings the snow temperature to zero degrees C, the higher the hazard, even if thawing does not occur.
  • Feels unsafe. The "seat of the pants" feeling of the experienced observer deserves respect.

Steps to take in an avalanche

A photo of an ice axe, drawn by Taylor

If Caught:

In most avalanche situations, any defensive action is very difficult. Movement relative to the debris is often impossible. However, some of the following may be useful:

  • If you have an ice axe, try plunging it into the undersurface. This may help to keep you near the top of the slide.
  • Shout. Others may see you.
  • Try to run to the side, or jump up-slope above the fracture.
  • Get rid of gear; sacks, skis etc.
  • Try to roll like a log, off the debris.
  • Swimming motions sometimes help.
  • As the avalanche slows down, you may be able to get some purchase on the debris. Make a desperate effort to get to the surface, or at least get a hand through.
A person keeping their hand in front of their face, drawn by Taylor

If Buried:

  • Keep one hand in front of you face and try to clear/maintain an air space.
  • Try to maintain space for chest expansion by taking and holding a deep breath.
  • Try to avoid panic and conserve energy. Your companions are probably searching for you.
A phone calling the KMSRT rescue line, drawn by Taylor

Avalanche Rescue:

Observe the victim's progress and if possible mark the point of entry and point at which last seen, and check for further avalanche danger.
Make a quick search of the debris surface:

  • LOOK for any signs of victims.
  • LISTEN for any sounds.
  • PROBE the most likely burial spots.
  • Make a SYSTEMATIC SEARCH, probing the debris with axes or poles.
  • Send for help, but KEEP SEARCHING until help arrives.

Remember that you are the buried victim's only real chance of live rescue. Although survival chances decline rapidly with the duration of burial, they do not reach zero for a long time.

Learn More

An aerial photo of a snowy, misty forest

Hypothermia occurs when core body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius. This occurs when the body’s ability to generate heat by burning calories, muscle exertion and shivering is overwhelmed by heat loss. Heat is lost in four ways; radiation to a cold environment, conduction through contact with cold surfaces, convection from wind and water currents and evaporation of moisture. Improperly prepared or injured backcountry travellers can become hypothermic even in summer months.

Hypothermia: Warning signs and preventative measures
A photo of a pine forest path

Travelling through a hiking trail provides visitors and travellers with a safe way to enjoy the vast mountain range and beautiful forests without worrying about getting lost. However, certain circumstances may prevent hikers from losing track of the trail and finding themselves lost in the mountains. It may be important to prepare to survive the night in the mountains if this is the case.

Mountain Safety: How to survive in the mountains