How to avoid avalanches

With widespread heavy snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir in the last two days, people in the higher reaches of the state continue to remain on avalanche warning for another 24 hours. This warning may again come into affect from 14th March onwards as another spell of snow and rain is expected. Here are some steps you can take to avoid avalanches.

Keep distance from steeper slopes

Slopes with 30 to 40 degree angle are prime location for avalanches. Slopes below this range are not steep enough for the snow to slide. And if it is above this range then snow does not build up in major amounts as they slip away from steep slopes.

Stay away from large snow deposition

Snow is blown from one side of the hill to the other. This "wind loading" causes large amounts of snow to be deposited at one place. This snow bonds well to itself but not to the snow below, setting up perfect conditions for a slab avalanche.

Stay away from areas of flat to steep slopes

As the snow rolls from a flat surface to a steep one, it is under high stress as the change in gradient causes it to pull itself apart, this is often where avalanches begin.

Move in small groups

If you are in the middle of a snow storm, move around the snow deposited areas in a small manageable group and traversing, climbing and skiing potentially dangerous areas one at a time will reduce the risk of triggering an avalanche and make rescue easier if one does happen.

with additional input from Chamonet.com

By: Skymetweather.com