TREE WELL & DEEP SNOW ACCIDENT PREVENTION

The most important prevention step is to remain on groomed runs (see Groomed and Ungroomed Trails section), resisting the urge to ski or snowboard through the trees during deep powder conditions, no matter how inviting the untracked powder looks. If you choose to ski or snowboard in the ungroomed, deep snow areas with trees, remember:

Powder Safety Tips

#1) A PARTNER: 

It is critical to ski or ride with a partner who remains in visual contact at all times.
In many cases, some of the deaths which have occurred due to tree well incidents may have been avoided had:

1. the person been with a partner
2. the partner saw the person fall and
3. the partner was close enough to assist digging the victim out in a timely manner.

It does NO GOOD for your safety if you are under the snow and your partner is waiting for you at the bottom of the lift. If you have any question about what a “timely manner” is to assist someone in a tree well, hold your breath now as you are reading this and the amount of time until you need air is approximately how much time your partner has to help get you out of danger. Other factors such as creating an air pocket or the nature of how you fall into the well may extend this critical timeframe.

VISUAL CONTACT means stopping and watching your partner descend at all times, then proceeding downhill while he or she watches you at all times. IF YOU LOSE VISUAL SIGHT OF YOUR PARTNER, YOU COULD LOSE YOUR FRIEND.

#2) Carry Backcountry gear

Carry the same personal rescue gear as backcountry skiers or snowboarders:

• Transceiver
• Shovel
• Probe, and
• Whistle 

#3) If you are a skier, remove your pole straps

If you are a skier, remove your pole straps before heading down a powder slope. Trapped skiers have difficulty removing the pole straps, which can hamper efforts to escape or clear an air space to breathe.

WHAT IF I GO DOWN?

1. If you are sliding toward a tree well or a deep snow bank, do everything you can to avoid going down: grab branches, hug the tree, or anything to stay above the surface.
2. If you go down, resist the urge to struggle violently. The more you struggle, the more snow will fall into the well from the branches and area around the well and compact around you.
3. Instead of panicking, try first to make a breathing space around your face. Then move your body carefully in a rocking manner to hollow out the snow and give you space and air.

Hopefully, your partner will have seen what happened and will come to your rescue within minutes. If not, experts advise staying calm while waiting for assistance. Survival chances are improved if you maintain your air space. Over time, heat generated by your body, combined with your rocking motions, will compact the snow, and you may be able to work your way out.

Warning

Avalanches are an inherent risk of the sport due to the nature of snow and its application on steep, mountainous terrain.  Avalanche Safety Tips »

Content by Mt. Baker Ski Area, Inc. 2006
Excerpts from article written by Robert Cadman, PhD