Difference between revisions of "TBSP Outreach"

Revision as of 14:41, 4 February 2010

Outline for TBSP Outreach Events

TBSP is partnering with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and the Forest Service at Tahoe Meadows on select Saturdays in February and March to provide an overview of fun safe backcountry travel. It is typically a 20 to 30 minute talk on backcountry safety and preparedness for novice backcountry travelers after which the Humboldt-Toiyabe ranger Steve Hale or George Kerr will take the participants on a short snowshoe tour and the patrol heads off to patrol the Tahoe Meadows area.

The outreach starts at 9:45 at the west end of Tahoe Meadows (the long straightaway on the Mt Rose Hwy). Parking is on either side of the road, and the event is designated by a large FS banner. Don't forget to bring the TBSP banner!

Your forest service contact may be standing away from the road, so be especially attentive if the snowbanks are large. More information about these outreach events can be found at the Tahoe Rim Trails Association web site:

http://www.tahoerimtrail.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=257:winter-snowshoe-hikes&Itemid=226

Introduction

Backcountry travel is fun!

• Find the best snow on skis or a snowboard
• Enjoy the fresh mountain air on snowshoes
• More and more people are heading to the backcountry

Backcountry travel can be safe too (outline)

• How to not get into trouble
  • Know what you are doing (that's why you're here!)
  • Plan a manageable trip and stick to the plan
  • Always leave word about your plan
  • Don't travel alone
  • Carry the proper equipment
  • Watch the weather
  • Avoid avalanch conditions and terrain
• What to do if you do get into trouble
  • Be prepared to spend the night outdoors unexpectedly
  • S.T.O.P. (Sit, Think, Observe, Plan)
• How to learn more

How to not get into trouble

Know what you are doing

• Navigation skills
  • Read a map and recognize terrain features around you
  • Use a compass
  • Use a GPS
  • Find your position using coordinates
  • Choose a safe route: avoid avalanche terrain
• Basic survival / first-aid skills
• Simple mountain weather forecasting skills
• Snow camping skills for overnight trips

Planning

• Plan your trip in advance and follow your plan
• Be prepared to change your plan as the conditions dictate
  • Set a turn-around time!
• Stay within your limits
• Never travel alone
• Always make sure someone knows your plan and knows what to do if you don't show up
  • Primary route
  • Expected return time
  • Number and equipment in the party
  • Contacts and medical conditions for party members
  • Who and when to call for help
  • Follow through and don't forget to call

Watch the weather

• Check in advance
• Carry NOAA radios on longer trips
• Keep an eye on the sky
  • Watch winds and changes in wind direction
  • Watch the clouds

Travel rules

• Stay together (travel at the pace of the slowest person)
• Stop at intersections
• Rest, eat and drink frequently
• Choose safe routes
  • Avalanche terrain
  • Steep / icy terrain
• Speak up if you are uncomfortable with the route
• Watch for signs of fatigue, hypothermia and forstbite
  • Umbles
  • Wind chill
• Get out before dark (turn-around time)

Carry the proper equipment

• Day trip essentials
  • Sufficient warm clothing and storm gear
  • Hat with a brim, sunglasses and sun screen
  • Sufficient food and water
  • Fire starter and waterproof matches
  • Navigation gear
    • Topo map
    • Compass
    • (GPS)
  • Small first aid kit (blisters, cuts, etc.)
  • Small repair kit
  • Survival gear
    • Tarp
    • Survival package (the can?)
  • Shovel
  • Headlamp or small flashlight
  • Knife
  • Whistle
  • TP and baggies
  • Cell phone
    • Extrememly useful in an emergerncy
    • Phone coverage can be variable
    • Cell phones are not a substitute for planning!

• First-aid Kit
  • 4 x 4
  • rollers
  • Band-Aids
  • Small zip-lock bags
  • Large safety pins
  • Moleskin and adhesive tape for blisters
  • (nitrile gloves)

• Repair Kit
  • Leatherman
  • Pozidrive screwdriver or bit
  • Spare binding screws
  • Wooden golf tees
  • Steel wool
  • Pole splint and hose clamps
  • Duct tape (on pole)
  • (spare binding cable)

• Emergency Bivouac Kit
  • Tarp with grommets (blue with 10 grommets best)
  • Tomato can with bail
    • Storm-proof matches and fire starter
    • Wire saw
    • Single-edge razor blade
    • Mylar sleeping bag or two large garbage bags
    • 30m parachute cord
    • 5-10 m wire
    • 20-30 m surveyors tape
    • (photos)
    • (candle)
    • Princeton Tec mini light w/ switch

Avalanche safety

• Take a level I course
• Call the avalanche hotline (www.sierraavalanchecenter.org, 530-587-2158)
• Avalanche triangle
  • Terrain (30-45 degree slopes)
  • Snowpack
  • Weather (24-48 hours after a storm: wind transport - what speed winds?)
  • People
• Watch for terrain traps
• Carry the essential equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe)

What to do if you get into trouble

Survival tips

• If truly lost, S.T.O.P. (Sit, Think, Observe, Plan)
• Stay put
  • Don't get more lost
  • Rescuers can find you better
• Make yourself visible
  • Set out tarp
  • Stay near clearings (aircraft finds most people)
  • Stamp your name in the snow, use branches, etc
• Try to contact help with a cell phone or radio
• Use your survival package
  • Create a shelter (snow cave, lean-to, treewell, etc)
  • Cather wood and build a fire
• Conserve energy
• Stay warm and dry
• Check periodically for forstbite, be aware of hypothermia
• Don't expect to be rescued at night (sleep if possible)
• Be positive!

What to do if someone in your party is hurt

• Get word to rescuers
  • Cell phone or radio
  • Send someone for help
    • Only if there's enough people in the party... Don't go alone! (Or find someone else)
    • Include written instructions:
      • Location (On a map, GPS coordinates, landmarks)
      • Nature of injury or illness
      • Present condition and condition over time
      • Available equipment and supplies
      • Description of the injured person
      • Care given and anticipated
• Keep the patient warm!
  • Insulate from the snow
  • Find / make a shelter
  • Watch for signs of hypothermia
• Administer first-aid
• Don't forget to take care of yourself

Snow trench demonstration 

How to learn more

• Go with experienced people
• Take classes
  • REI
  • The backcountry store
  • Alpine Skills International
• Books
  • Allen and Mike's Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book: Traveling and Camping Skills for a Winter Environment
  • Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills
  • Snow Sense
  • Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain
  • Staying Found

Map demonstration before the hike? Show route to lunch rock, how to read terrain from the topo lines, etc