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Van Beek: Avalanche is more than just a hockey team

Seasonal transitions can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Some weather fronts never make it over the mountain tops and others remain stuck in the valley, so even when in a direct weather path, it can still be uncertain.

In addition, we are in a La Niña year, with its added spontaneity in temperatures and precipitation. This unpredictability creates prime avalanche conditions. 

The highs and lows create pockets of surface instability that trigger the release of unstable ground conditions. Add gravity and inconsistent snowpack, and we can end up with an immense downward force of loose rocks and snow — an avalanche.



Sometimes even the smallest thing can create a massive snow slide, which quickly grows to avalanche intensity. Even something as simple as soundwaves or a simple walk across a path with a body’s pressure being enough to create a wave that vibrates a patch of loose snow, which then tumbles and grows.

What that means is that during January, we must remain exceptionally aware, take whatever precautions we can, and make a survival plan, in case an unlikely but deadly situation occurs and we are caught on the receiving end of a quickly approaching avalanche. Understand that the only genuine guarantee of safety is avoidance.

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Stay informed. Before heading out into the backcountry, make a quick call to the forest ranger for mountain updates and avalanche potential. 

Avalanche conditions are rated 1-5 (low, moderate, considerable, high, extreme). According to Vail Mountain Rescue, if uncertain about continuing, think of it this way … if someone told you that you had a chance of getting punched in the face, what level would it be acceptable?  Would you be OK with “considerable” or “moderate?”

An avalanche can be triggered by activities located as far as a quarter mile away. To reduce the likelihood of being caught in an avalanche, stay away from angles that are greater than 30 degrees … it will look similar to a blue run.

Begin your outdoor expedition early because the hike or cross-country ski trek may take longer than expected and you don’t want to be stuck on the mountain in the dark. However, bring enough with you to survive the night, in case of emergency.  Anyone who has died on the mountain woke up that morning expecting to return home that day.

Never go alone. Minutes can make the difference between life and death, and your chances of survival are enhanced with training and equipment.

The trails are icy with repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Thin ice can result in a catastrophic fall down a mountain slope or spark an avalanche below. Trekking poles and crampons will help considerably, as will a rope for steep descents. As with skiing, helmets are a good idea.

There’s also the danger of thin ice. Waves of warm weather can create hidden cracks that can collapse as you attempt to cross a lake or a pond. Use trekking poles to check density and listen for hollow sounds beneath. Walk around the ice, near rocks for stability, and perhaps use snowshoes to redistribute weight.

Avalanche deaths are caused by physical trauma, suffocation, and hypothermia. All can occur in a submerged vehicle. Roads are frequently the landing spot for avalanches, as they are generally at the base. It’s important to understand that there is a risk of being trapped in your car. It’s frightening, but please don’t panic. 

Do not try to move your car for more than a few seconds, otherwise, the friction of the tire will generate heat, which creates a snow bowl around your tire that will immediately freeze into ice, making it impossible to drive out, plus cause a buildup of carbon monoxide.

Stay calm to conserve oxygen. Keep an emergency kit in the car (first-aid items, jumper cables, flares/reflective triangles, ice scraper, phone charger, space blanket, map, flashlight, food, water, two-way radio, extra batteries, sand for traction, avalanche transponder, jackets, ski pants, gloves, and hat (bundle up while still warm to retain body heat). If clothes are wet, remove them immediately because hypothermia will set in faster when wet. 

If hit by an avalanche, check passenger safety. See if you can determine the location of the car (above or below snow debris, still on the road or in a ditch, any distinguishing landmarks, etc.) for adequate emergency reporting. Call 911, then your primary contact. Make it quick, to conserve battery life and oxygen. Your smartwatch might make these calls for you. 

Turn off the car to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning (submerged tailpipe); don’t keep it on for heat. With the car off, turn your headlights and flashers on for rescuer visibility. Plug in your phone charger.

Do not exit the car! Opening the door or window may fill the car with the pressure of the snowpack. If you attempt to exit, you may sink into an air pocket and be unable to escape or breathe. An avalanche is not white fluffy snow — it is filled with debris, like rocks and trees, and packs with such force, that it settles like cement. A car can be your safest spot, and more easily visible than a person standing on the side of the road.

January is a time of new beginnings … please make 2025 a safe one! 

James van Beek is the Eagle County sheriff. You can reach him at james.vanbeek@eaglecounty.us.


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