Avalanche Canada came to Prince George for a free back-country avalanche workshop last night (Tuesday).
The workshop focused on resources for snowmobilers: how to plan a mountain riding trip, key items to take, and where to check weather and conditions and where to get extra training.
The workshop also discussed the three must-have pieces of equipment.
“A transceiver, which some people call a beacon, you wear it on your body and it transmits a signal that other beacons can pinpoint if you’re buried,” explained Marty Anderson, a workshop participant.
Anderson added that an extendable probe to push through the snow, as well as a shovel, remains essential.
“A newer recommendation is the avalanche airbag, an inflatable backpack, you pull the cord if there is an avalanche, and the canister fills the bag with air.”
“Much like a balloon going down a river it will help keep your body above the snow. It floats to the top!”
Anderson remarked mountain riding used to be either in spring conditions, which pose a smaller avalanche risk, or only accessible to experienced riders with higher-end equipment.
“Over the last not-that-many-years, the ability of snowmachines has changed. New riders can buy a snowmobile that can go places that were not reachable in previous years.”
The North Rockies Field Team, a team of riders who collect data for avalanche forecasts, is new this year after strong public demand.
The Field Team operates 4 days a week and patrols an area of 50,000 square kilometers, according to Avalanche Canada.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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