Avalanche Safety Gear - What You Absolutely Need

Are you scared? You should be.  An avalanche can reach speeds of over 80 mph within 5 seconds! There are four things that cause an avalanche: a steep slope, snow cover, a weak layer in the snow cover and a trigger. 

But should we just never go outside again? No. Just be prepared if you're going to the backcountry where an avalanche is possible. Having the correct avalanche safety gear is important part. Being educated about what to expect and how to combat it is the other part. 

I'm going to walk you through the safety gear you need to keep you and your buddies safe in the event of an avalanche. And remember, never go out to areas alone where avalanches are possible. 

1. BCA Float Avalanche Airbag

If you see an avalanche starting, start inflating the airbag on your BCA float backpack. This airbag will help keep you on top of the moving snow.  Not only will this decreases your burial depth, but it also protects your head and neck from possible trauma.

All BCA Float packs include integration for BC Link™ Radios, hydration sleeve, dual zippered shoulder straps, and molded back panel.

2. Radios

Communication when in the backcountry could be the deciding factor between safety and danger. These BC Link™ Two-Way Radios were created for those that will be out in the snow. Where most radio grills are flat and penetrable, this "Smart Mic grill" is impervious to packing with snow. They even changed the position of the "on/off" switch so it can't easily be accidentally turned off. 

Comes with long-lasting built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, durable cord/base unit, and new battery percentage power display.

3. Avalanche Transceivers

No snowmobiler should be without transceivers. Say the worst happens and you're buried under feet of heavily packed snow. You're not getting out of there without help. That's why you always go with a group. Luckily your buddy deployed his airbag early enough and stayed above the current of snow. 

Your transceiver will omit a beacon that your friend's transceiver receives and points him/her in your direction. The screen of the transceivers will show you with an arrow which way and will also tell you how many feet away you are from the other transceiver. 

If you're in a group of more than 2, these new BCA transceivers can track up to 3 people. Watch the video below to learn how to use one correctly. It will explain the 4 phases of transceiver searches.

4. Avalanche Probe

After you've used a transceiver to find someone's location under the snow, use a probe to reach down into the snow until you hit "something" (your buddy...so don't poke hard!). These BCA probes are labeled to show you the depth at which it is in the snow. This tells you how much you are going to need to dig. 

5. Avalanche Shovel

And finally, when you've located the lost person, used your probe to note how deep in the snow they are, then it's time to dig! The BCA shovels are all created to be lightweight so it's easier to pack, but also very durable. That snow pack is going to be dense. The sharp edge of the blade and the strength of the manufacturing gives you the best avalanche shovel you can find. 

You Need All 5

We talked about how to use each of these items in the event of an avalanche. Please note that it's not possible to carry out a successful rescue mission if you are lacking any of these items. These 5 items could save your life. 

Have fun and be prepared. There's no reason to stay inside and hide from possible danger. There's danger everywhere. But avalanches are scary and real and happen with very little notice. Always be prepared.