If you are fond of snow and skiing, an avalanche is a disaster you would definitely want to steer clear of. And above all, you do not want to create them. Avalanche is defined as a natural occurrence where snow starts building and moving down a slope.
When the snow starts moving down a slope, the mass can only get bigger. And so anavalanche is considered a threat - and a big one at that. It is believed that an avalanche happens because it is triggered. It us very important that you do not create one.
The next time you ski, consider safety first. Here are the things you can do to avoid an avalanche.
1. Check the weather forecast and know the current avalanche reports. If there have been several incidents of avalanche, the snow may be too thick for safety and going out to ski may not be a good idea. At least not where an avalanche just recently occured.
2. Check out the marked slopes. Some slopes are marked for a reason. And most of the time, it is for safety. Do not go out and be over-adventurous enough to cause an avalanche. Stay off the areas marked "off-limits".
3. Check out possible avalanche activities. Yes, you can see an avalanche coming. If there is any hint of one, stay away from that area. Inform the ski attendants and the ski park office as necessary, so they can mark off the area immediately.
4. Be aware of your surroundings. Before you head out and enjoy the hills, inspect the area first. Look around and see if there are any snow build-ups. Snows any more than 2 centimeters can mean unstable conditions. If the snow is over 30 centimeters, then the situation can easily turn into something highly hazardous.
5. Check the texture of the snow on your feet. Is it rough or sandblasted? If it is, then you should be fine. But if it is quite smooth and the slope is rounded, then an avalanche can possibly come your way. A smooth and rounded slope means wind slabs and the gusts of wind have piled several layers of snow on the ground. Go someplace else. Better safe than sorry.
6. Stay away from cornices. Cornices trigger most avalanches. It is a must that you do not go near one to disturb it. Do not walk over or under it. You might just start the avalanche that you are trying to avoid.
These are the six things that you must remember so you'll avoid avalanches on your winter outings. Always choose to be safe. Follow these tips and you surely enjoy your skiing escapades more.
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