Winter Hiking and Avalanche Danger

Dec. 5, 2007

Winter backcountry exploration can present dangers that far exceed those of hiking in the summertime. Sometimes, those dangers can be downright deadly. Recent weather conditions in Washington’s mountains created what was called “extreme avalanche danger” in the North Cascades and Olympics.

Snowshoer in Commonweath Basin. By Dave Schiefelbein

Heavy snowfall followed by slow warming and rain, such as we had over the past several days, can progressively load and stress a multitude of buried weak layers, creating dangerous avalanche conditions that not even the most experienced backcountry hikers should attempt.

Such conditions apparently led to an avalanche this past weekend that left two hikers dead along the Snow Lake Trail near Snoqualmie Pass. A third hiker fortunately survived and was rescued. We’re very saddened by the tragic deaths of the two hikers, and our thoughts are very much with the victim’s families and friends right now.

This incident and recent weather conditions remind us that winter backcountry hiking should not be attempted lightly. Hikers and snowshoers need to do plenty of advanced planning and take every precaution before hitting a trail in winter months.

Here are some tips for safer backcountry exploration in winter:

1. Always check avalanche conditions through the avalanche hotline at 206-526-6677, which will tell you local mountain weather and avalanche conditions. Or visit the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center's website. Always call ahead to the ranger station where you plan to snowshoe to determine current conditions.  If you're planning on visiting the Snoqualmie Pass area, for instance, call ahead either to the North Bend Ranger station at 425-888-1421 or the Cle Elum Ranger station at 509-852-1100. Check for recent trip reports from other hikers. The website Washington Online Weather is a good source for mountain forecasts.
2. Choose your destinations wisely. Popular summer hiking trails such as McClellan Butte, Granite Mountain, or Snow Lake become deadly avalanche hotspots in winter, and should never be considered as snowshoe destinations. Don't assume an easy summer day hike will make a good snowshoe trip. Consult a guidebook to find the best low-risk snowshoe routes. And remember that there are other snow risks beside avalanches--getting stuck in a tree well (the hollow in snow at the base of a tree) is a surprisingly common cause of fatalities in winter recreation.
3. Let someone know where you are going, and when you expect to return (and call them when you do return!). You can find a trip plan form here to print, fill out and leave behind with someone you know before your next hike. If your destination changes, follow up and let someone know.
4. Always pack the Ten Essentials on any hike, including a topographic map, compass, extra food, extra clothing, firestarter, matches, sun protection, a pocket knife, first-aid kit, and flashlight. A extra few items need to be added to your winter backpack. Make sure you have adequate extra clothing -- plenty of layers made of materials such as wool or polypropolene that wick sweat and moisture away from your body. A headlamp or flashlight (and extra batteries) are especially important in the winter since days are short and night comes quickly. Snowshoeing is strenuous exercise and you burn a lot of calories, so bring along plenty of extra food and keep your energy level high. Snowshoeing requires much more energy than hiking, so keep your mileage goals small, and turn around when conditions are beyond your skills or your energy level is low. Pack plenty of water and keep hydrated by drinking often. Seriously consider carrying an emergency shelter and/or sleeping bag in case you have to spend a night out there. A portable shovel is an important winter survival tool, which will assist you in digging snow caves in which you can survive a bitter, cold night.  And, it's nearly impossible to dig someone out of an avalanche without a shovel.  Lastly, in avalanche country, consider carrying an avalanche beacon. And know how to use it properly.
5. Bring navigation skills. Remember that it's much easier to get yourself lost in winter--snow tends to make the landscape look uniform and obscure landmarks. It's not easy trying to find your way on an unfamiliar backcountry trail using only a topo map when the trail is covered under a thick blanket of snow, and clouds obscure the identifiable peaks around you. This makes map and compass skills essential for winter backcountry travel. Take the Mountaineers Club's wilderness navigation course, which is a bargain at only $35 per person, considering it could help save your life.
   

Snowshoeing is great fun and a wonderful way to explore outdoors in the winter. But it's essential to take several extra planning steps beyond what you'd do for an average summer dayhike. That means a heavier pack, and a little more preparation time. But that just means you'll burn more calories on your trip, and you'll be more likely to return safely to your car, where you can warm up with a hot chocolate and extra whipped cream on your way home.