At all times of the year getting in and out of the Alpine County backcountry safely requires a certain amount of preparation and planning. Now, with cooler weather, certain contingencies need to be taken into consideration. Equipment appropriate to conditions, proper mindset and good physical condition will enhance your chances of survival should a mishap occur.
There is now enough snow to ski but not enough to eliminate rocks and other obstructions. Hopefully predicted storms will deliver sufficient snow to ski the backcountry with a reasonable degree of predictability.
Readers of this column have heard me mention the 10 essentials. Here they are again in case you haven't checked at the Sierra Club Web site. Map of the area, compass, extra food and water, flashlight with spare battery, sunscreen and sunglasses, extra clothing, waterproof matches or other fire starter, candle to aid in fire starting, pocket knife, first-aid kit. A signal mirror (some compasses come with one) and a whistle are other lightweight items you might carry.
The map should be a 7.5 or 15 minute topo that you know how to interpret. Your compass work should include the ability to shoot a heading to a landmark, adjust for declination (the angle between true north and magnetic north) and plot a course, as well as triangulate a position from three landmarks. Carrying a GPS is a huge help and a satellite tracker can be a lifesaver. Cell phones often don't work in the wilderness so don't count on that being a lifeline. Fresh batteries for any electronic device are an absolute must.
Clothing needs to match conditions and multiple layers of breathable wicking fabric with a backup waterproof outer layer is the way to go. A space blanket or large garbage bag offers added protection in your snow cave (know the details of various shelter construction).
Food should be high energy low volume items but remember that water is more essential. Try not to eat snow. It lowers your core temperature thus hastening the onset of hypothermia.
So go to your daypack now, take everything out, including that 2-pound flower book, and put back in the 10 essentials. Then make adjustments for each outing based on weather, length of trip and personal preferences.
Speaking of weather, you'll need an accurate forecast for the day(s) of any outing. This is available at the NOAA'S National Weather Service Qeb site for Reno. Click on the map for your intended route or nearest town, click on the backcountry forecast for expected conditions at various altitudes and visit the forecast discussion page which will provide a detailed synopsis of current weather plus what is expected in the coming week. Except for the satellite picture, don't rely only on the Weather Channel - it's simply not precise enough for local conditions.
Recent incidents in Utah point to the need to check the avalanche website that's linked to the weather service page. It details conditions for various slope aspects and altitude. Keep in mind that roughly 50 percent of all avalanche fatalities are due to trauma. That means even if your friends watch you get swept down the slope and dig you out right away your chances are only one in two of surviving. Avalanche beacons will improve your chances.
Assess your physical condition and plan trips to match. Fatigue can accelerate hypothermia a condition that, once the body's core temperature drops below 95 degrees F, renders you unable to help yourself and results in your demise unless help is already on the way.
Studies have shown that those who survive back country mishaps often have a positive mental outlook or "will to survive." Fear is normal but panic will kill you. Oh, go ahead, let it out. If you're out in a driving snowstorm, off-trail, it's getting dark and you can't move due to a knee injury, scream words that would make a logger blush. A minute of irrational behavior will make you feel better, warm you up and provide the energy to start on that snow cave. Be sure to bring back rationality " you're much more approachable if you're yelling "help."
Since this column only touches the surface of many complex issues a mention of resources is in order. Local people experienced in the area are an invaluable resource. Talk to them. Talk to search and rescue personnel who, by the way, are always in need of volunteers. Lake Tahoe Community College offers a variety of wilderness courses ranging from avalanche certification, first aid, navigation, survival and backcountry snowboarding. Visit their Web site. Books are available from the local library. Make use of these opportunities.
Nothing compares to finding solitude and magnificence in the winter backcountry. Being miles from the nearest road clears the mind and rejuvenates the spirit. It is vital to being human, an adventure. It makes one acutely aware that humans are relatively insignificant specks in the vast realm of nature and that we are fortunate to be able to witness such grandeur.
