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ski paradise gardena valley, snowboarding, skiing, carving, iceskating ...
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avalanche information, standardized European danger scale ...
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Avalanche Information |
 The
beauty and fascination of the alpine winter wonderland has many
attractions. An increasing number of snowboarders and mountaineers
are seeking the peace and quiet in deep snow on steep virgin slopes
far off the maintained runs. As beautiful as that may be for the
winter sport enthusiast, it is important to be aware of the dangers
in this environment. In order to prepare for such a winter adventure
it is essential to secure a report of the current avalanche situation.
For years now science and technology have attempted to understand
the phenomenon of avalanches and thus the predictions have become
more useful and reliable. With new technologies like internet and
WAP it has become convenient to receive information of acute and
potential hazards.
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For this reason a standardized
European danger scale for avalanches has been introduced in 1993
which has a range of 5 steps. The avalanche report provides beside
the hazard range also information on new snow accumulation, wind
speed, and temperature changes. For preparation of a tour we also
recommend the request for a avalanche report.
Standardized European danger scale:
Degree of Danger
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Snowpack
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Avalanche Probability |
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The snowpack is generally well bonded and stable |
Triggering is possible only with high additional loads on
a few very steep extreme slopes. Only a few small natural avalanches
(sluffs) possible.
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The snowpack is moderately well bonded on some steep slopes,
otherwise generally well bonded. |
Triggering is possible with high additional loads, particularly
on the steep slopes indicated in the bulletin. Large natural
avalanches not likely. |
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The snowpack is moderately to weakly bonded on many steep
slopes. |
Triggering is possible, sometimes even with low additional
loads. The bulletin may indicate many slopes which are particularly
affected. In certain conditions, medium and occasionally large
sized natural avalanches may o ccur. |
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The snowpack is weakly bonded in most places. |
Triggering is probable even with low additional loads on many
steep slopes. In some conditions, frequent medium or large sized
natural avalanches are likely.
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The snowpack is generally weakly bonded and largely unstable. |
Numerous large natural avalanches are likely, even on moderately
steep terrain. |
Legend of commonly used terms:
- additional impact high: e.g. group of skiers, snow grooming equipment,
avalanche blast
- additional impact low: e.g. single skier, hiker
- modestly steep slopes: slopes with a decline less than 30 degrees
- steep slopes: slopes with a decline of more than 30 degrees
- extremely steep slopes: extremely challenging in regard to decline,
shape, and vicinity to a ridge.
- spontaneous: without human interference
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Misconceptions about avalanches:
- I have never seen an avalanche on that steep slope, therefore it
has got to be safe.
- On this small, short slope nothing can happen
- The forest protects us from avalanches. Below the tree line nothing
can happen.
- In very low temperatures there are no avalanches
- Ski and animal tracks guarantee safety in regard to avalanches
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Here are a few basic recommendations in case
of an emergency
Self-help even if it is already too late:
1) Perform swimming strokes during an avalanche so you can remain
as close to the surface as possible.
2) Once the avalanche slows down maintain a squatting position with
arms in front face. This way you create some breathing space in case
you get buried.
3) After the stop of movement: stay calm and assess situation. If
possible dig out by yourself. Safe air and energy!
4) Don’t scream - it uses up precious air- unless you hear other
sounds.
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Help to companions:
Your own group members are able to help faster than rescue teams,
which makes it important to start the search immediately after help
has been requested. Time will save lives.
- try to find out where the buried have been seen last.
- in case of electronic communication devices (Pieps) turn them
on and search systematically downhill from side to side.
Time saves lives in an avalanche accident
- in the first 15 minutes the chance of survival is about 90%
- after 35 minutes it diminishes to 25%
- for longer periods the chances are much lower
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In the alpine regions one can find many of
these warning signs:
These signs are there for a reason – please do not ignore them.
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Equipment for activities away from groomed
runs:
| Electronic communication devices(Pieps): |
Absolutely necessary to locate avalanche victims. The personal
locating device must be carried directly on the body (not in
the backpack). Definitely test your equipment before use to
identify potential problems such as low batteries, malfunction
during sending or receiving to be able to take corrective action. |
| Avalanche-shovel: |
Compressed snow can be as hard as concrete. Without shovel
you will not succeed! |
| Avalanche- probe: |
It is a mechanical device supplementing the electronic one
and allows you to gain information about the depth of the snow
cover. |
| First Aid Kit: |
It is important to have rescue blanket to protect an avalanche
victim from frostbites and hypothermia. |
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Emergency Call ( Notruf )::
In South Tyrol every emergency is reported to the country’s
central Emergency Center by calling 118:
How to report:
- where: location of emergency
- what: description of emergency
- when: time of emergency
- who: victims and injuries
- caller information: who called, information about location, weather
and possibility for landing of a rescue helicopter
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