TRAVELING SAFELY IN THE BACKCOUNTRY BOILS DOWN TO TWO FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS:

1. Minimize your exposure to avalanche terrain.
2. Limit exposure to avalanche danger to one person at a time.

While traveling, adhere to these principles by:

• Always choosing the safest possible route. Stick to low angle ridges and dense trees.
• If you must expose multiple people, stay well spread out.
• Be careful riding in creek bottoms or drainages with steep sides that could avalanche.
• Avoid stopping in or beneath avalanche paths.

While highmarking or climbing steep hills:

• Always highmark ONE AT A TIME. Other riders should watch the climber from a safe spot in thick trees or out of the runout zone.
• NEVER ride up a potential avalanche slope to help a rider get unstuck. Many snowmobilers have killed their partners when they were trying to help.

Next Section: Avalanche Rescue »

Highmarking Checklist:

• Have avalanche rescue gear?  
• Good snow stability?
  
• Partners in a safe spot?
  
• Have a good line picked?
  
• What will you do if it slides??

Safe Travel also has to do with your ATTITUDE:

• Stay alert to changing snow stability due to differences in aspect, elevation, or weather factors.
  
• Avoid being overly goal oriented - have options.
  
• Make sure your group communicates well.
  
• Is your group prepared to do a rescue?