Category: Avalanche

avalanche rescue tips, tricks & techniques

Airbag Effectiveness – Less than you thought.

Terrain consequences are extremely important. If the avalanche we may trigger will take us over a cliff, into trees, down a very large avalanche path, or into a terrain trap, then we have a low chance of survival, despite whatever rescue gear we may carry. — Bruce Tremper In the aftermath of a recent rash …

Keep making backcountry turns

Part VII: Taming the Dragon of Self-Destruction

Continued from Taming Your Avalanche Dragon, published 17nov15. When we have self-destruction as our dragon we lack the ability to care for and nurture our own best interest. Self-destruction may be fuelled by a general propensity for self-hate, depression, or a sense of despair. This is not a sought-after ingredient for making good decisions in …

Keep making backcountry turns

Pt VI: Taming the Greed Dragon

Continued from Taming Your Avalanche Dragon, published 17nov15. Greed Greed is an easy dragon to understand, especially on a powder day when the sun is shining. The statistical fact that more avalanche tragedies happen on sunny days with new snow underpins the concept of greed. The phrase, “There are no friends on a powder day” …

Keep making backcountry turns

Pt. V: Taming the Martyr Dragon

Continued from Taming Your Avalanche Dragon, published 17nov15. Martyrdom Martyrs believe we are the “victims” of a situation and see ourselves as oppressed. As a victim, we feel like we have no choice in a situation; that others are deciding things for us and that we have no other option but to heed the directives …

Keep making backcountry turns

Pt. IV: Taming the Impatience Dragon

Continued from Taming Your Avalanche Dragon, published 17nov15. Impatience Impatience is characterized by needing to have something now and the phrase “Don’t get in the way” depicts how single minded we can be when consumed by this dragon. People with the impatience dragon are stricken with the fear that if things are not happening quickly, …

Keep making backcountry turns

Pt. III: Taming the Self-Deprecation Avy Dragon

  Continued from Taming Your Avalanche Dragon, published 17nov15. Self-Deprecation If self-deprecation is our dragon we do not feel worthy. We suffer from a lack of self-confidence and feel that our contribution is not of value, so we do not speak up and share what we know. If we have this dragon and are paired …

Keep making backcountry turns

Pt. II: Taming the Arrogance Avy Dragon

  Continued from Taming Your Avalanche Dragon, published 17nov15. Arrogance There is a big difference between confidence and arrogance. A confident winter backcountry guide or enthusiast also has an ear to listening to other people’s input. There is a willingness on the part of the confident individual to welcome new information from anyone in the …

Keep making backcountry turns