Avalanche
Avalanches are deadly and pose a real risk to backcountry travelers in the Cascades. With some basic knowledge of how avalanches work and what tools are available, it is easy to avoid the risk of an avalanche event.
Avalanche Know-How
With a bit of know-how, it is relatively easy to avoid avalanches.
Training
Topic is covered in the Winter Skills Adventure Program taught by our Council and staffed by member of Troop 60
Avalanche Canada’s Online Avalanche Tutorial
Northwest Avalanche Center - Avalanche Education
Mapping
You won't have an avalanche in an area without avalanche terrain. If you know what avalanche areas look like on a map, you can map out potential outing routes and activity sites while avoiding avalanche areas.
CalTopo
Mapping tool with many features - such as Avalanche Slope Overlays
Vital tool for winter travel planning
Avalanche Conditions
Be aware of Avalanche Conditions. Even if you can avoid trekking through areas without avalanche terrain, you may need to drive through avalanche prone areas or your travel plans may change due to weather or an unplanned emergency. Know what current and predicted avalanche conditions are.
Risk vs Experience
Some of the best skiing and backcountry adventures are right in the middle of avalanche country. These and other high risk adventures of a lifetime can be considered, planned for and completed outside of Scouting.
