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Show MARCH 1995 | THE RIGHT OEAR | Avalanche A Necessity Beacons: for ALL Winter BackCountry Travelers By Steve Lewis debris pile finally set tled, no sight of the machine or its rider survived Minutes later, we joined the group of snowmobilers, scurrying the hillside in search of a lost partner. In unison, my friend and I yelled an avalanche Pam and Nicky with avalanche beacons and shovels Austin waits in reserve he high-pitched snowmobiles thundered past, as we advanced through the aspen, entered the meadow, and glanced up at the steep snow-covered northeast slopes, high in the wintry Wasatch. Then suddenly, a brazen snowmobile driver shot his machine fullthrottle, straight up the gut of the hill, rose some 100 yards toward the mountain ridge, and then swung into a full spin and headed back down the fall line. Instantly, a large portion of the slope above and beside the machine broke loose, a cloud of snow engulfed the bottom portion of the sliding slope and sound from the whining machine died. Moments later, as the snowy transceivers, as they have been known to regular winter backcountry skiers, are the size of a small transistor radio, weigh about half a pound, have receive as well as transmit capabilities, and sell for $175 to $300 retail. For years, locals have used traditional 257 KHZ low-frequency and dual-frequency beacons, while inter- national rescue operations now deem the 457 KHZ high-frequency beacon as the world standard. The old and the new can not communicate with each other, hence the need for a dual-frequency beacon. According to world agreement and standard, sale of the “257” was eliminated in 1990. Dual frequency beacons will not be sold after this year. And only high-frequency “457” beacons will be marketed after Jan. out, “Is he wearing beacon?” “No!,” came a voice in response. “A glove! I think I see a glove,” another yelled. And then all watched as my friend and I pulled shovels from our packs, dug frantically until a hand, an arm and finally a head was exposed: The bad news is that the group lost a machine. The good news is that a human life was saved. Once the emergency passed, the snowmobilers gathered ‘round and remarked, “Where do you get those pack shovels? And what is, and where do you get those avalanche beacons, you were talking about?” Avalanche rescue beacons or dual-frequency beacons are limited because they must transmit and receive on both frequencies, making it impossible to optimize the high Park City’s GE TF 1 e996: Used low-frequency frequency beacons is not a good risk either, because they have a frequen- cy range lower than the “457.” The frequency. In spite of the “457s” superiority, it’s prudent to carry a dual or both a low and high-frequency beacon in the backcountry, until use of the old, low-frequency beacons expire. As Athey backcountry warns: specialist “Everyone in Bob your INTO IT NEWEST COMMUNITY beacons are a poor investment. Purchase of dual- MEMBER Advertising in the ADVERTISING IDENTITY ANNUAL SYSTEMS REPORTS - BROCHURES Makes CALL - DIRECT MAIL TUNE PRINT ADVERTISEMENTS - POSTERS BOOKS - CATALOGS - SIGNAGE DESIGN PRODUCT IMAGING R. SUITE & 217+ PARK CITY, UT Sense 801-649-8046 SOON TO MUSIC INTERESTING April Issue PUBLIC AFFAIRS & PACKAGING Mee BON GREAT IN SPACE 96.5 FM 91FM «89.7 FM Park City Salt Lake City Moab RESERVATION March 12th DEADLINE party may carry a “457,” but you could come upon snowboarders or another group’s avalanche victim transmitting only with a “257.” Ortovox, Arva and Pieps and prospectively Ramer, sell avalanche beacons with new units, touting all types of features. The Ramer 457 KHZ AvaLRT Pro, if and when it arrives on the market, will reportedly have a range of about Z00 feet and set a new world standard for avalanche transceivers. If you use a snowmobile, snowshoes, snowboard, cross-country or backcountry skis, or otherwise visit avalanche-prone terrain, you should “Instantly, a large portion of the slope above and beside the machine broke loose, a cloud of snow engulfed the bottom portion of the sliding slope. . .” always carry a beacon. Furthermore, be wiser than I was and always check with your partner to make sure your beacons will communicate before you enter the winter back- country. Pp and recently climbed for that my beacon was out-of-date and wouldn’t communicate with hers. Her company and tele-turns in the powder were famous. But, somuch for safe skiing that day. In perspective, avalanche beacons are only a small part of a larger avalanche awareness and preparedness puzzle. General terrain, snow and weather factors; route selection and precautions; and avalanche survival skills are the more significant features of avoiding and surviving snow avalanches. The winter backcountry beckons a growing number of people each year. Opportunity for recreation, fitness, retreat, renewal , solitude and splendor need not be spoiled by a thundering slab avalanche. Pay attention to daily reports issued by the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center, take an avalanche training course, practice using avalanche beacons and always choose the safest paths and routes. Moreover, the next time you ski or travel on snow with others, pay attention has con. PAGE 6 I two hours to the top of a Wasatch ridgeline, got set to ski a northeast-facing slope and found and make a start-of-the-art sure everyone avalanche bea- |
