Avalanche Awareness Launched as Another Death Confirmed

Saturday, January 10, 2009 03:27 PM

Public Safety Minister John van Dongen has launched Avalanche Awareness Days just as it is learnd there has been another avalanche death in the province.

The American snowboarder who was caught in an avalanche near Terrace Thursday has died from his injuries. The 39 year old Washington state resident, and his son were caught in the slide while heli-skiing at 4,500 feet on Alice Mountain, 15 kilometres northwest of Terrace.

He was dug out in about 10 minutes and taken to hospital , his 19-year-old son was partially buried but was not injured. Two other people were able to ski out of the avalanche to safety.

"Sixty five per cent of all avalanche fatalities across the country happen in B.C.," said van Dongen. "That percentage is made very real when you look at statistics that show each and every year, on average,
14 people across Canada die in avalanches and that's why we need to continue to make the public aware of avalanche risks and how to avoid and mitigate those risks."

So far this winter season in B.C., there have been 11 avalanche-related deaths.

Outdoor adventurers can help themselves by being informed and prepared before going outdoors. Tips for staying avalanche safe in the outdoors this winter:
* Take a recognized avalanche skills training course (offered through the Canadian Avalanche Association).
* Have the right equipment with you, practise with your equipment and check conditions before heading out into the back-country.
* Before you head outdoors be sure to leave a trip plan with a responsible individual and stick to that trip plan. For a printable copy of a trip plan and to learn more about being safe when getting outdoors,
visit www.adventuresmart.ca.
* Learn about avalanche safety and risks, and get the most recent bulletin and weather forecast at www.avalanche.ca. Take the conditions into account and plan appropriately.

The Essential Gear for Avalanche SafetyIn order to be "avalanche safe" you should have the following gear with you or take the following steps:

* Trip plan left with a responsible person
* Avalanche transceiver
* Probe
* Shovel
* Flashlight, spare batteries and bulb
* Fire-making kit - waterproof matches/lighter, fire starter/candle
* Signalling device - whistle or mirror to signal searchers if you become lost
* Extra food and water - 1 litre/person
* Extra clothing (rain, wind, water protection and toque)
* Navigational/Communication aids (maps, compass, GPS, charts, cellular phone, satellite phone, hand-held radio - fully charged battery) - know how to use them
* First Aid kit - know how to use it
* Emergency shelter - orange tarp or large orange garbage bag. These can also be used as signalling devices.
* Pocket knife
* Sun protection (glasses, sunscreen, hat)

You can find more avalanche awareness information at www.adventuresmart.ca, www.pep.bc.ca, and www.avalanche.ca online.