Ihab Salloum[ad_1]
Safety in Deep Snow: Self-Rescue Techniques
Every year, skiers lose their lives due to their inability to self-rescue in deep snow. Today, I share my experiences at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, where I encountered knee-deep, heavy snow. Despite my initial confidence, I found myself falling into bottomless powder in the trees. This situation required me to employ self-rescue strategies. Here’s what I learned:
Assessing the Situation
After falling, I quickly realized that getting up and out of the deep powder would be a challenge. I found myself in an area unlikely to be discovered by others. To successfully self-rescue, I knew I needed to be prepared and resourceful.
Ditching the Poles
Having realized that my poles were of little help in bottomless powder, I decided to rely on my own strength. Contrary to some suggestions of making a “t” with the poles, I knew this would not work. The powder was too deep and presented unique dangers. Larger baskets on poles can provide some assistance, but they are not enough to help you stand up from a fall. As my body was heavier than my boots and skis, any struggle or movement would only sink me deeper, potentially causing my feet to be above my head.
Slowly and carefully, I shifted my body over my skis by pulling on my legs below the knees. This process took about 2 minutes. The final step was challenging without anything to brace against, but I knew that if I could move my butt over the backs of my skis, I could stand up. Pulling on my legs one more time provided the resistance I needed, and I managed to stand up.
Breaking the Surface
Now standing, I had to deal with the fact that both my skis were deeply buried in the snow. I carefully pulled up my right ski, breaking the surface to gain better footing. I repeated the process with the left ski. Finally, I was able to glide back onto the groomed part of the run and complete my self-rescue.
Lessons from the Past
Reflecting on past experiences, I remembered an incident at June Mt. when I was a kid. Falling during a week with 8 feet of new snow, I ended up making a huge hole in the flat part at the bottom. As I struggled to get to my feet, I sank deeper into the powder. Soon, I found myself 8 feet down and unable to stand up.
Realizing no one would hear my cries or see me, I had to get resourceful to self-rescue. I took a break and used my camera to take a photo of the hole. Attempting to hit something solid with my poles, I discovered that there was nothing to support me. After some thought, I decided to remove one ski and use it horizontally for support. By digging it into the snow and pulling myself up, I eventually managed to reach a standing position. Step by step, I made my way out of the hole and back to safety.
Additional Tips and Precautions
Getting stuck in deep snow can be a life-threatening situation. Here are some additional techniques and precautions to consider:
- Learn how to find a lost ski in bottomless powder. For more details, refer to my previous blog post on this topic.
- Carry a whistle to attract attention in case you get stuck or need help. Ski patrol might be able to hear your calls during their final sweep of the mountain.
- Always carry a fully charged cell phone with Mammoth Mountain’s ski patrol phone number programmed. This way, you can call for help and provide your location in case of an emergency.
- Program your emergency contact number under ICE (In Case of Emergency) in your cell phone. This information is vital for emergency personnel.
- Consider carrying a small knife, a lighter, a Cliff Bar (with a lower freezing point), a fleece balaclava for heat retention, and always wear a ski helmet for protection.
- Make copies of your driver’s license and medical card. Store them with your cell phone, ensuring that emergency personnel have access to your identity and contact information.
Remember, being prepared and knowledgeable can save lives. Share these self-rescue techniques with others to ensure their safety in potentially dangerous situations. Stay safe on the slopes!
[ad_2]
