TBSP Outreach

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