Avalanche accident prevention
The
majority of people that get caught up in avalanches are engaging in backcountry
touring and off-piste activities. Many avalanche accidents can be prevented by
good preparation, a correct assessment of the avalanche danger on the mountain,
and behaviour appropriate to the prevailing conditions. But those entering the
mountains should nonetheless receive training and practise emergency drills so
that they are ready to respond to an avalanche burial. The primary goal, however,
is to take preventive measures and thus avoid being caught up in an avalanche.
After all, even the best avalanche rescue teams are unable to help every
victim. Among
other things, prevention entails
- an awareness of the
avalanche danger outside marked and open pistes,
- obtaining
information on the current avalanche danger,
- recognising
avalanche prone locations through the application of avalanche knowledge,
- minimising personal
risk by behaving appropriately in the given conditions.
Besides raising awareness and producing daily
avalanche reports, the SLF seeks to disseminate avalanche knowledge through
practical training and application aids. These include information sheets and
the interactive teaching CD "White Risk". Through our
collaboration with various associations and institutions, which constitute the
core avalanche education team, existing
doctrines and avalanche training course documents are enhanced by new findings.
