Preparation the key to winter recreation safety

Many articles on winter safety treat the symptoms, much like our healthcare system, rather than focusing on minimizing risk and prevention beforehand. The symptoms, in this case, are getting caught in an avalanche, onset of hypothermia or just being generally surrounded by lost-ness. If first responders are on the way you are probably in big trouble.

Risk can be minimized by thorough pre-trip preparation. This, of course, starts at home well before getting in the car.

First assess your physical and mental condition. Ask yourself relevant questions. Am I strong enough to do this planned outing and has my physical training prepared me for something this strenuous? The answer needs to be yes, if it isn't, then modify the trip or stay home. Ask yourself, too, whether you feel well enough today to do the planned itinerary. Make sure your nutrition and caloric intake has been sufficient in the preceding days.

Mental preparation is tricky and needs some rational observations by you. Am I alert, mentally energized or "up" for this trip, and, should I spare the others in my party the fact that I'm feeling really curmudgeonly today? Am I flexible enough to alter my plans when faced with other than expected situations?

Once you decide that you're ready, move on to equipment. There are many choices, and many combinations of equipment work equally well, but in the end it has to keep you warm and it has to work.

Specifics will be determined by your choice of recreation. Your snowmobile, skis, snowshoes, layered clothing, repair equipment, the 10 essentials in your pack and your vehicle all need to work and be appropriate for the activity you choose. High energy snacks and water, especially water, are high on the list. Bring warm water at body temperature or above (but don't put hot water in plastic or nalgene bottles unless you like plasticizers in your system) and a thermos with hot water, tea, coffee or soup adds to the comfort level. Stash a thermos in the car, too.

The 10 essentials vary by your recreation choice. Here they are again for skiing: navigation device - compass, gps optional; topographical map; headlamp because you can't ski holding a flashlight; food and water; extra clothing; sun protection - skin and eyes; first aid kit; fire starter; shelter; survival tool; signaling device. Think about adding an avalanche beacon, satellite transponder, shovel and duct tape wrapped around a ski pole. Cell phones don't work in many remote locations, but if it gives you security, bring it anyway.

All of the foregoing should be almost automatic but now comes an important part of pre-trip planning. Visit the National Weather Service Web site, click on your hometown and look at the forecast. Why do this when you'll be recreating perhaps 3,000-4,000- feet higher? Because you're most familiar with the weather where you live and it gives a reference point for how much worse the weather might get. Click on the forecast discussion link. It gives specifics on wind speed and precipitation amounts that are expected in different regions of the forecast area. Then click on the backcountry forecast for weather specific to varying altitudes. Finally look at the satellite loops. The 16-kilometer and 4-kilometer animated loops for visual, infrared, water vapor images and the nearest radar loop will complete your weather briefing.

Now visit the Sierra Avalanche Center Web site. This is one of the best avalanche Web sites I have seen. Comprehensive avalanche information is available on a daily basis during snow season. Pay particular attention to altitudes, aspect and slope percentages as they pertain to your route of travel. If you'll be on any slopes carry avalanche beacons.

So now you know the weather and the avalanche danger and that means decision time; go or no-go, alter the route of travel or do whatever is necessary to stay safe. It's necessary, too, to expect the unexpected and be flexible enough to change plans accordingly. That applies to large group outings as well. Sometimes group dynamics and the unwillingness of someone to challenge risky decisions can place people in danger. Decision making in the backcountry is a complex process that requires another column.

Don't forget Avalanche Awareness and Winter Safety Day on Feb. 20 that will take place on Blue Lakes Road.

This event will feature mini-courses on avalanche awareness, snow safety, pre-trip planning and decision making as well as displays by winter equipment vendors. It is designed for all winter recreationists and is being held in cooperation with the California Nevada Snowmobile Association, Tahoe Sierra Snowmobiling Club, Friends of Hope Valley, Alpine County, U. S. Forest Service, Sierra Avalanche Center and several winter equipment vendors. Check hopevalleyca.com for more information.