Winter in Glacier National Park unveils a vision of frozen lakes, unspoiled snow, and empty space. It also serves as a reminder that while backcountry trips are exciting, there are dangers that come with them including avalanches. Everyone who plans to go skiing, snowshoeing or snowboarding in the park should know how to avoid the avalanche terrain. This guide will provide you with a general overview of what you need to know about avalanche safety in Glacier National Park.
Understanding Avalanche Risks
An avalanche is a landslide of snow that occurs when a layer of snow on a snow-covered mountain becomes weak and gives way and falls down. Some of the causes of avalanches include:
- Snowpack Instability: They form where the snowpack is weak, and the layers can easily slide or peel off.
- Slope Angle: Avalanches are common on slopes that are at an angle of between 30 and 45 degrees.
- Weather Conditions: Increased risk of avalanches include increased snowfall, wind, and fluctuation of temperature.
While Glacier provides a beautiful scenery during winter, majority of the backcountry trails are labelled as avalanche territory, such as:
- Johns Lake Loop
- Many Glacier Valley
- Two Medicine Basin
- Avalanche Lake
Always check the latest avalanche forecasts before exploring.
Avalanche Safety Essentials
- Beacon: It gives out a signal as to your position in case you are buried.
- Probe: Helps locate buried individuals.
- Shovel: Helps extract victims.
- Avalanche Airbag: Reduces burial depth.
Prepare Wisely
Consider taking an avalanche safety course. AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) helps teach you how to read terrain, assess snowpack, and practice rescue skills.
Check Avalanche Forecasts provided by the Flathead Avalanche Center. Make sure to review current danger levels, any recent avalanche activity, and weather trends that can affect snowpack.
Plan your route where there are lower avalanche risks and always have a backup plan.
How to Navigate Avalanche Terrain
- Travel in groups, but one at a time through avalanche-prone areas.
- Use ridgelines and dense forests as safe routes.
- Watch for warning signs such as cracking snow or recent slides.
- Establish clear communication using radios or hand signals.
- Stay alert and continuously assess conditions.
What to Do if an Avalanche Occurs
If You’re Caught in an Avalanche
- Attempt to move to the side
- Get rid of heavy gear
- Create an air pocket – cup your hands and form a shield
Rescue Protocol
If a member of your group is caught in an avalanche:
- Mark the Last Seen Point: Physical location of the last known position of the person in question.
- Use Your Beacon: Search immediately.
- Deploy Probe and Shovel: Work as fast as you can to find and get them out since once a person is buried the chances of survival are minimal after 15 minutes.
The Last Thing You Need to Know about Avalanche Safety
The view of Glacier National Park during winter is astounding, however, do not get distracted by its natural charm as safety should always be a concern. This brings us to the conclusion that with the right information on the avalanche danger, proper equipment and caution while traveling in the backcountry, fun and exciting memories are certain to be created.
More Information:
Flathead Avalanche Center: www.flatheadavalanche.org
AIARE Courses: Home – AIARE
Glacier National Park Information: glacier national park – Big Sky Explorer
It’s always important to be safe but it’s also important to make sure that we are well informed and that we get to see the beauty of Glacier National Park in the winter.
Happy Travels!