Search and rescue group teaching avalanche safety

Avalanches claim hundreds of lives around the world every year. Lincoln County hasn’t experienced many of those deaths from avalanches and local search and rescue volunteers want to keep it that way.

“There have been a lot of near-misses with avalanches in the county,” DTSAR mountain unit leader Terry Crooks said. “We want to stay ahead of that with education.” 

In order to help provide that education, David Thompson Search and Rescue is hosting a free avalanche safety class, beginning Jan. 22 at the group’s headquarters building in Libby. The class will be broken into one indoor, classroom-style session and one hands-on outdoor session, which will take place the following day.

The classroom session will run from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday evening and will cover a number of safety topics, including equipment education, the causes of avalanches and how to read snow and assess the risk of avalanche. Crooks said the idea is to teach outdoor enthusiasts not only how to avoid avalanches, but also how to prepare for them and to survive them if the situation arises.

“Having the mental and physical tools to maintain yourself in a wilderness environment is essential,” he said.

One of the things Crooks suggested for safe enjoyment of the winter outdoors is for recreationists to dress in layers and to take extra clothing. Layers can be adjusted and removed to adapt to prevailing weather conditions. Layers should also consist of loose-fitting clothes and boots, as tighter-fitting shoes and garments can restrict circulation.

Crooks said it is important for people to pack appropriate gear along whenever enjoying the snowy outdoors. Proper equipment includes matches in a waterproof container, fire starter, nylon cord, tarp, space blankets, a knife or utility tool, high energy food, a first aid kit and a signal mirror. The value and use of the various tools and equipment will be the subject of part of the training session, he said.

The second day of the course begins at 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, also at the DTSAR building. From there, students and instructors will travel to the warming shed near Keeler Creek. Once on site, Crooks said the organization will stage a mock rescue as well as conduct avalanche drills. The session is anticipated to last until early afternoon and focus on teaching participants about the dangers of snow in any terrain and weather conditions.

“It is important when you live in Montana, in snow country is to enjoy it,” Crooks said. “In order to enjoy it you need to be aware. Snow is not static, it’s energetic, it’s elastic. It always wants to slide downhill. Being aware of the environment and thinking ahead is critical.”