Crystal Ball Volume 19 - Aug 2010 by New Zealand Mountain Safety Council

NEW ZEALAND MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCIL

CRYSTAL 2010 BALL AVALANCHE MAGAZINE VOLUME 19

Periodical for the New Zealand Avalanche Community

DISCOVER MORE, SAFELY

WELCOME TO WINTER

2010

WITH THE

NEW ZEALAND MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCIL all levels of users by providing a number of layers of information. This follows on from the developments in European and North American risk communication. There will also be interactive functionality that will enable users to submit photos and public observations, use social networking and receive downloads to mobile devices. The overall aim is to reach a wider audience of every level and discipline. We are also looking at overhauling the INFO-EX. The new system will be more user-friendly in its look and functionality and be able to

NEW ZEALAND MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCIL

NEWS AND

EVENTS

Goodbye Hamish.

The New Zealand Avalanche Conference is being held in Christchurch on June 11/12th 2011. We have top international and local speakers from a wide sector of the avalanche community. Additional workshops on Education and Search and Rescue will be held on either side of the weekend. Details on accommodation and meal packages will be available soon with an early bird booking discount.

display data quickly in a myriad of graphical formats. It will work as

Welcome to winter 2010. At the Mountain Safety Council we are excited about the new season and a new era for the avalanche programme. I would like to extend a big thank you and farewell to Steve Schreiber, the outgoing Avalanche Programme Manager. Steve spent over ten years nurturing and developing the avalanche programme. There is now a robust and well rounded system that follows international best practice. The Mountain Safety Council is committed to the continuation of the avalanche programme and we are striving to continue to develop in all areas. To this end we are

a true operational tool that addresses the issue of double entering

After 25 years on the MSC ‘s Snow and

data and will securely store all your avalanche data and institutional

Avalanche Committee, the last six years

knowledge. Members of the project team are currently test driving a

as the Convenor, Hamish McCrostie has moved

potential model. Once we have more information, we will be out to

on. Hamish has made a huge contribution to

show all the INFO-EX subscribers what the future holds.

the MSC and to avalanche safety in general

These are just two of the areas we are working on. Education, the Avalanche Conference and industry support are also high priorities.

GOODBYE HAMISH

and he will be greatly missed. From his beginnings as a ski patroller, he

I hope you are having a good winter. Please contact me if there is

has worked his way into his current role as

anything that I can do to help.

Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager. It is the ongoing responsibilities that come with this

Hobbie

position that have contributed to Hamish’s

currently planning a rebuild of the www.avalanche.net.nz website.

decision to step aside. Chris Emmett (Turoa

The site will have a fresh new interface with the public and

Andrew Hobman

Ski Field) has been elected as the new convener

communicate the Backcountry Avalanche Advisory that speaks to

Avalanche Programme Manager

of the Snow and Avalanche Committee.

The Crystal Ball August 2010 Issue 19 Vol 4 The Crystal ball is created twice a year by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council. Submissions of articles, photographs and illustrations are welcomed. Please send to: Andrew Hobman, Avalanche Programme Manager ph: +64 3 371 3724 or fax: +64 4 385 7366 e: andrew.hobman@mountainsafety.org.nz 2 CRYSTAL BALL 1 CRYSTAL BALL

For advertising enquiries contact: Bede Eagle, Communications and Marketing bede.eagle@mountainsafety.org.nz 19 Tory Street, PO BOX 6027, Wellington ph: (04) 385 7162 or fax: (04) 3847366 Editor: Andrew Hobman Graphic Designer: Samantha Caird

Chief Executive Officer: Darryl Carpenter Chairman: Ross Meder

To oversee the professional training programmes of all providers as required

After 25 years on the MSC Snow and Avalanche Committee, and the last 6yrs as the To monitor, research andConvenor, review trends in snow and avalanche activites to ensure the Council leading authority for safety in his The Mission of MSC’s andto Avalanche Hamish McCrostie has Snow decided move on.committee: Hamish has made a huge contributionremains to thethe Mountain enviroment provide expert advice and support to the council on appropiate SafetyToCouncil and avalanche safety in general and he will be greatly missed. From his beginnings as All material produced by New Zealand Mountain Safety Council are strategies to foster public safety in snow environments a ski patroller, he has worked his way up into his current role as considered Coronet inPeak Ski Area Manager. It the public domain. As such, all materials may be reproduced for research or classroom use.Permission is also granted for use of short To oversee the training, assessments and qualifications of instructors is the on-going responsibilities that come with this position that quotations, have contributed to Hamish’s figures and tables in scientific books and journals. to ensure that national standards are maintained and enhanced decision to step aside.

CRYSTAL BALL 2

Denham Stewart

Forecasting Northward

Avalanche forecasting is a skill based on knowledge, experience,

avalanche hazard. Turoa sits on the southwest side of Ruapehu 16

potential avalanche hazard.An extra consideration for general safety

intuition, good communication and information sharing.

km drive from Ohakune. Turoa’s upgraded facilities and Ohakune’s

exists in that both Whakapapa and Turoa’s highest lifts unload at

Forecasting is an essential service to ensure the safety of the general

growing population base during winter has seen skier and

over 2300m; this makes them the highest lifts in New Zealand. From

public in New Zealand’s unique alpine environments. For the last

snowboarder numbers increase substantially over the past few

this elevation Backcountry access is literally a short traverse away.

couple of years I have had the opportunity to forecast for the largest

years. The different aspects between the three Ski areas means

Backcountry terrain accessed via ski lifts is commonly referred to as

alpine area in the North Island, the Tongariro National Park as an

weather conditions and snowpack characteristics can differ vastly.

“Slack Country” this is due to its relative ease of entry with minimal

employee of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Ltd (“R.A.L.”).

To accurately forecast for the region, key snow safety personnel

effort. On a busy day on Mt Ruapehu, 12,000 skiers and boarders can

Tongariro National Park is located in the Central North Island; four

from each area share weather and snowpack information and local

be expected to be on the slopes with as many as 2000 riding in the

hours drive from Auckland and Wellington. Within this world

knowledge. To keep the forecasting role dynamic, RAL rotate it every

“Slack Country”. This area incorporates some of the largest

heritage park lies three main mountains, Mt Tongariro, Mt

few years between Whakapapa and Turoa. Whakapapa and Turoa

avalanche paths in the region and history has shown how capable

Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu. Mt Ruapehu is the largest of the

are two of the largest commercial ski areas in New Zealand, and

this terrain is in producing significant large-scale avalanche events.

mountains with its highest peak reaching 2797m. It is also a highly

combined have over 1000 hectares of leased area accommodating

Along with signage around the mountain, the Backcountry Avalanche

active volcano with the last major eruptions taking place in 1995/96

over 450,000 skiers, snowboarders, ski tourers and climbers

advisory is reported daily on local radio stations during ski reports

and a more recent minor eruption in 2007. Included within the

annually. This sheer volume of visitors coupled with varying skill

and printed out and displayed in local ski shops. This fore thinking

National Park’s boundary is the Tongariro Crossing, one of the most

sets and a volatile alpine environment leads to heightened safety

works for getting information to the public, and it is heartening to

popular one day alpine hiking tracks in New Zealand. Like most

risks for all parties who recreate on the mountain.

see more skiers and boarders enhancing their skill sets and using

alpine environments, weather conditions within the National Park

To meet the strict requirements of their concessions for operation,

safe practices, though I believe a large majority of people that ski

can change very rapidly and become extremely volatile and hard to

these three Ski Areas have policies and procedures set in place to

and board in this terrain still underestimate the potential hazard and

predict due to the mountains’ unsheltered location.

mitigate hazards and minimize the risk to the public, staff and

over estimate their capabilities to deal with it.

property within their Ski Area Boundaries. No hazard management

CRYSTALBALL BALL 43CRYSTAL

There are three ski areas located on Mt Ruapehu:

such as avalanche control or safety services exists beyond these

Whakapapa, Turoa and Tukino. Tukino is a small club run ski area

boundaries. Terrain and inclement weather conditions on Mt

that sits on the Eastern side of Mt Ruapehu, with enjoyable terrain

Ruapehu mean marking the Ski Area Boundaries in their entirety

that can be accessed from ski tows and even more challenging

with physical barriers is an impossible task to maintain, so evenly

terrain if you are prepared to hike. Whakapapa sits on the northern

spaced signage is used to define this line. Backcountry Avalanche

side of the mountain and is unique in that 46 ski clubs have

Advisory signs in conjunction with gates are located at key

accommodation situated above 1600m. Managing these people can

Backcountry entrance points around the mountain. These gates are

be a challenging task during times of significant

designed to draw the public through, educating and advising the

We have come along way in the past 10 years as the aid of technology and professional knowledge has increased vastly. Avalanche education for the public and mountain staff has gathered momentum. However as the number of visitors continue to grow, especially those seeking a backcountry experience, the key is to continue promoting avalanche education for public and professionals alike, finding new ways to place good information in the public eye. CRYSTAL BALL 4

wANAKA

Peter Bilous

THE AVALANCHE TRAINING PROGRESSION FOR SKI PATROLLERS, GUIDES AND ROAD WORKERS

avalanche terrain. Importantly, you need to use the templates provided by the Polytech to drive the feedback process. This is to ensure that nothing is missed in the discussions over time and provides the

Weekly Avalanche Workshop

required evidence of learning. Do remember that the process should involve discussions before you leave, sometimes in the field and

Following the success of last year, the Wanaka Branch of the

at day’s (or trip’s) end. If you have documented evidence of this

Mountain Safety Council will once again be running Weekly

process happening prior – and you can convert it into the template

Avalanche Workshops to help promote avalanche safety.

form, that would be valid towards your completion goal. Note Stage 1 is offered from a myriad of providers on semester based courses from Otago Polytechnic, Tai Poutini Polytechnic, CPIT, Whiterea Polytechnic and OPC. Additionally Otago Polytechnic also offers 3-4 short (6 and ½ day) courses annually for those with a greater amount of mountain experience; such as guides and more experienced back-country skiers. Stage 2 is only available from Otago Polytechnic and, since 2008, requires completion of a mentored logbook (Applied Snow Studies),

however, that competency is based on current skills which must be

Kindly supported and hosted on Thursday nights between 730-

demonstrated to more than one mentor prior to being accepted for

830pm at Mainly Tramping’s Store on Dunmore St, each week

the FT (and IPA). Contact Barbara Emmitt (Avalanche Programme

features:

Administrator) at 0800 765 9276 for the latest copy of the templates. These are available without cost to get you started. To get credit for the course, you must have the submitted templates

Could be referred onto Courses Shared their experience or teamed up with others that have

approved by someone designated by the Polytech to do so. Once

A short presentation/led discussion on the themed topic for

more experience

enrolled in the Applied Snow Studies (mentored logbook) course,

the evening and a question and answer session.

Shared rides/split costs – more sustainable

3 Theory courses, a 5-day Field Training (FT) course and a final 8-day

Every week the facilitator starts a discussion about the trips/

Integrated Practical Assessment (IPA). The logbook and all 3 theory

tours people have been out on during the past week, questioning,

courses must be completed before attending the FT and IPA. This

and drawing out of them any observations (Avalanche, Snowpack,

was developed to meet the needs of our NZ avalanche industry, and

Weather) they had made. After helping to put their lay speak

included input from the NZMGA, SAANZ

observations into more technical language, the discussion turns

(representing ski area management and Ski Patrol), Milford Road

to the INFOEX advisories which generally reflect and back up the

and others. The redevelopment not only brought us up to pace with

group’s own observations.

educational trends internationally, but leads the field in terms of flexible study options and reflective workplace application. What you

Promoted the exchange/reporting of information DVD and other media were also used, after which a discussion (question and answer) reinforced the points covered in the DVD. Thanks to Steve and his team at Mainly Tramping for hosting the workshops. It is hoped this format can be used elsewhere in NZ. If you are interested in knowing more, or need help to setup similar workshops, please contact Gordon Smith.

The regular and relaxed format is helping to build a

may not be aware of is what you should be doing post Stage 1 to

you need to use templates provided by the polytech to drive the feedback process

A wrap up of current Weather, Snowpack, and Avalanche conditions from the www.avalanche.net.nz

community of Backcountry users where people: you have one year in which to complete it. Bottom line - get started

Participated in a less intimidating setting compared to the

Gordon Smith

on it as soon as you finish Stage 1 Avalanche Safety, then enrol in

big one-off Seminar many regions currently run

info@avalanche.net.nz

the Applied Snow Studies (mentored logbook) course when you can realistically complete it in one year. At some point, you should sign up and get started on your Theory Courses, which are best done in the traditionally low-workload spring and fall periods. This involves enrolling with the Polytech and getting access to the materials and a tutor (Theory Support Advisor – TSA). Students have 9 month

prepare for your Stage 2. This is where the mentored logbook

in which to complete each of the 3 theory courses from the time

comes in. The purpose of the mentored logbook is to provide

they enrol.

evidence of you receiving structured feedback on practicing the

My advice is to be proactive about your professional training goals

Stage 1 field skills and progressively exposing you to the level

so you keep focused, motivated and on a realistically, achievable

expected on Stage 2 from a current stage 2 practitioner/mentor.

track. Plan your course of study from when you want to complete

The field skills we are referring to are stability evaluations, snow

your Stage 2 or Diploma in Avalanche Studies, and then work

profiles, terrain evaluation and rescue practice. Most people can

backwards on when you need to jump the hoops with each aspect

expect to spend 100 days practicing these skills before being ready

of the requirements.

to stage 2. However, completion is based on demonstrating

If you have any other questions, please refer to the OP

consistent competency (defined as minimal corrective feedback

website www.avalanche.ac.nz first, then get a copy of the

from your mentor on your last 3 sessions) in each of the 4 field skill

Applied Snow Studies Mentored Logbook, (which tells you how to

areas. This system therefore recognises that different students

use it), and read it. Contact Barbara or myself if you still have any

may progress at different rates. The quality of your mentored

outstanding issues.

feedback may also affect your pace of learning.You can and should

Peter Bilous is NZMGA Ski Guide and the Avalanche

be including your summer (climbing guiding) and overseas patrolling

Programme Manager for Otago Polytechnic. He prefers that you

experience as part of the logged mentored process whenever you

refer to the ‘Applied Snow Studies’ as just that or the ‘Mentored

are employing the above mentioned skill set-i.e. travelling in

Logbook’ rather than its obvious acronym...

65CRYSTAL CRYSTALBALL BALL

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CRYSTAL BALL 6

VALLEY FLOOR

The Valley floor’s a miserable place While your mates are having fun I’m standing alone in the cold and shade They’re skiing in the sun These things I do to help them out I really do not mind Just once in a while let the tables turn And let them stay behind Still easy come, easy go I’ve had my share of fun Just now and then I’d like to be The last one on a run Russell Carr

Photography: MARY HOBBS 7 8 CRYSTAL CRYSTAL BALL BALL

CRYSTAL BALL 8

STAGE ONE

Preseason Avalanche SAR Training

Avalanche Safety course redevelopment planned 2011 The Avalanche Education Working Group -AEWGâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is all the

1) It enables the collation of skiing and boarding incidents on a

current providers of the Stage 1 course has planned an upgrade to

national basis so that we can begin to analyse trends. Importantly

take effect for the 2011 winter season. Changes that have been

because we are able to know how many people purchased ski passes

ear-marked include pre-course study and assessment to help

and the number of incidents we are able to gauge the incident rate

students better prepare for the theory concepts, and to have more

per 1000 skier/boarders. This information can be utilised to inform

time to learn practical skills on the course. Updated teaching/

decision makers about safety campaigns and potential changes to

student resources are also to be an outcome of this exercise.

practice. 2) The National Incident database is a valuable tool for each of the

If you have an area of expertise to offer to this process or would just

registered ski areas who are able to easily use the filter boxes to

like to be involved, please contact Andrew Hobman, AEWG chairman

produce their own reports. The filter boxes include location,

Andrew.Hobman@mountainsafety.org.nz

severity, time of day, body part and weather conditions. It is important that ski areas understand the potential of this database as a tool for recording, analysing and sharing incident data. While the NID is a fantastic collaborative tool which illustrates the willingness of the ski industry to understand and learn from incidents, there are still some ski areas, which while registered do not contribute incident data. In my discussion with some of these fields it seems that the transient nature of the staff plays a significant role in this lack of engagement. I would like to encourage all ski areas to meet best practice expectations and also to contribute to the national understanding of incidents by contributing to the NID.

Fig 1: The slowing down phase once the victim is being uncovered and airway secured. Diggers continue to work widening the hole to aid in the extraction while others work on the victim.

The National Incident Database

As is often the challenge when setting up training scenarios, realism is difficult to replicate. All too often we train hard on finding buried avalanche targets in good time, but do not put as much effort into mocking up the care needed for someone who has been buried past the time that gives them decent of odds of survival. While it is very difficult to present rescuers with a patient

The National Incident Database (NID) continues to be a valuable

suffering from triple H syndrome (hypothermia, hypoxia, and

tool for those involved in the ski industry. There were 5455 incidents

hypercarbia), we are at least now, incorporating other elements of

recorded by ski areas during the 2009 season and the information

the â&#x20AC;&#x153;rescueâ&#x20AC;? part of search and rescue into our scenarios. For more

captured about these events gives us all a greater understanding

on conveyer belt shoveling techniques and First aid for avalanche victims look in the links below. www.mountainsafety.org.nz/research

9 10CRYSTAL CRYSTALBALL BALL

Fig 2: Preseason training exercises. Treble Cone Patrollers work a conveyer belt shoveling technique once the victim has been located with a probe.

http://www.incidentreport.org.nz/

of ski and boarding incidents. The 2009 report is available from

For further information contact:

http://www.incidentreport.org.nz/reports.php the National

Annie Dignan

Incident database has two important functions.

e: annie.dignan@mountainsafety.org.nz. 04 9159284.

CRYSTAL BALL 10

Using “Google Earth” and “Dropbox”

Many of us are familiar with using Google Earth to spatially record

to record, and share Snowpack and Avalanche Observations.

applications to record and then share observations of Class 1 and 2

data within our operations. In combination with “Dropbox” (another freely downloadable software), trials are being carried out to test the viability of using these information – Avalanche, and Snowpack/snowprofile observations. These trials are being carried out as part of the overall redevelopment of the NZMSC INFOEX system. This is a cross platform solution (MAC and PC) How it’s done It is possible to easily draw/overlay into Google Earth your field observations no matter if you are a Ski Area, Heliski/guiding, or Roading/Access Operation: Where avalanches have occurred Where snowpits/profiles have been dug Where explosive charges have been placed … other Operation specific infrastructure such as: landing zones, ski lifts, medical facilities, snowmaking plant, tunnels and roads, zoning, rescue equipment, topographic maps, radio comms range, weather telemetry…etc As you draw these layers into the program, you can also enter information that can be recalled as you move your mouse over each

1: Screen shot of Google Earth with pop up bubble appearing after clicking on a (green) snowprofile icon. The “Snowpro” image at right, appears after clicking on the blue link in the pop up bubble.

observation in the picture. This embedded information may be text, for example: Snow pit information

Questions about dropbox may be answered here:

Extensive detailed instructions including Video tutorials have been

https://www.dropbox.com/help

created, and can be sent to those wishing to take part in this trial.

“CTM13 RP down 32cm on FC above RC” When your daily observations have been entered into Google Earth,

Gordon Smith

Avalanche information

you then choose the “save place as” in the google earth menu. By

info@avalanche.net.nz

“Sz 2 Sa 25m wide 40cm deep ran fast, no involvement”

saving the small kmz file into the relevant shared folder in your

Or you can embed a link to a picture or graphic file(jpeg), like the

drop box, makes it accessible to colleagues who share this INFOEX

example in Fig1.

folder. There will be 2 different shared folders during this test. Members of

12 CRYSTAL BALL 11

How the observations are shared!

the Professional Operation (current INFOEX subscribers) will have

“Dropbox” creates a folder on your local computer, and

access to one, and an entirely separate Shared folder will used by

a sync’d backup version of it on a secure webserver. Dropbox lets

Public contributors. Members of the public group cannot view the

you share folders with others by inviting them to view the folder you

Professional Obs – in this way it is exactly the same as the current

specify from within your own Dropbox. Once you add other members

INFOEX.

to the folder, it will appear in your colleagues own Dropbox just as it

Any Operation or Individual wishing to take part in this trial will

does in yours. Any changes made to the shared folder’s contents will

need to contact me in order to be invited into the relevant

appear instantaneously to everyone who is a member of the folder.

“Shared Folder”.

CRYSTAL BALL 12

Jordy Hendrikx

The NIWA National Snow and Ice Monitoring Network. Snow and ice are two resources that are likely to be subject to significant change over the next 20-100 years, depending on the pace of global climate change. Such changes will have substantial impacts on the long term planning and daily operations of hydro-electricity, agriculture and tourism/skiing industries. These

SnoTel Network in the USA has over 700 sites across the western Elevation 1100

National Park Tongariro

Status Upgraded existing site

there are over 100 alpine climate stations in the Swiss Alps alone,

Site Chateau at Ruapehu Mahanga

2010

Nelson Lakes

New site installed

providing a station density of approximately 1 per 270 km2 . By

Rolleston Glacier

1650-1800

Westland

New site installed

contrast, if we consider the area above 500m in the South Island

Arthur’s Pass

740

Arthurs Pass

Upgraded existing site

to be the “Southern Alps” (i.e. 76,440 km2), then we would

Ivory Glacier

1380

Westland

New site installed

require more than 280 stations to achieve the same coverage as

Rakaia

1700-1850

New site installed

Switzerland! While I am not advocating this as an aim of the NIWA

Mt Potts

2140

New site installed

Snow and Ice Monitoring Network, as there are many many

Mueller

1780

Aoraki / Mt Cook

New site installed

differences between New Zealand and Switzerland, it is an

Mt Cook

760

Aoraki / Mt Cook

Upgraded existing site

interesting analysis to provide a context with regards to spatial

Albert Burn*

1280

Mt Aspiring

New site installed

Murchison Mts

1120

Fiordland

New site installed

Ruapehu

2000-2480

Tongariro

Planning & negotiation with land owner / manager underway Awaiting new MANPMP

USA with some sites having data back to 1930. While in Switzerland

coverage. In the first phase of the Network we have planned for up to 14 new sites throughout New Zealand. Data from this new

Brewster Glacier

1680

Mt Aspiring

changes, will also affect all aspects of the alpine and downstream

Richardson Mts

1800

environments, with influences on the hydrological cycle, erosion and

Clinton Valley

2000

Fiordland

land stability, biodiversity and people’s ability to recreate in these

Lewis Pass Region

1500-2000

Planning & negotiation with land owner / manager underway Planning & negotiation with land owner / manager underway Early planning underway

areas (to name just a few). In 2006, the National Institute of Water

Kaikoura Mts

1500-2500

Early planning underway

and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) started on the development of

* Albert Burn is in association with Otago Regional Council.

the National Snow and Ice Monitoring Network to better observe

Albert Burn is in association with Otago Regional Council.

and quantify these changes. The primary aims of the new network

Figure 2 A schematic of a “full” site, as installed at the Murchison Mountains and at Mahanga.

are two-fold: First to gain a better understanding of snow and ice in terms of a resource and a hazard (e.g. Avalanches); Secondly, to

from these sites.

We are especially interested in the snow depth and snow density as these two pieces of information are required to estimate the snow water equivalence

Back in 2006, unlike other countries around the world, we did

mass-balance of glaciers in the Southern Alps.

has a range of 10 metres, but is limited by our mast height, and has

Table 1 shows details of the installed and proposed (in grey) NIWA

an accuracy of 0.4%, or about 0.01m. We have also installed snow

sites, including site name, elevation, National Park within and

pillows at key locations to record the total weight of the snow in mm.

operational status.

At most sites, the data is transmitted hourly using satellite

assess the impact of climate change on snow and ice. This means that we have both a real-time and a long-term need for the data

not have a national monitoring network for these valuable and vulnerable resources. We lagged behind many countries in the world and this was poignantly illustrated by the fact that countries like Kazakhstan had a national snow monitoring network, while New

communications and can be accessed via a user friendly interface

Zealand did not. This was also in stark contrast to the New Zealand glacier snowlines record, which dates back to 1977. While the glacier snowlines are a snow observation, they are only an annual snapshot of the end of summer snow lines and presents the aggregate of seasonal snowfall and the subsequent summer melt. Additionally, simple analysis of NIWA’s current observation network showed a clear disparity between “what we have got” and “what we measure” with over 50% of the land area of the South Island being above

Figure 1 Map of the installed and proposed NIWA snow and ice network sites. Additional sites (not shown on the map) which are in the early phases of planning and will hopefully be situated in; Northern Fiordland; Richardson Mountains (near Queenstown); Lewis Pass Region, and the Kaikoura Mountains. *Albert Burn is in association with Otago Regional Council.

So, what do these sites look like and how do

on the internet. We are especially interested in the snow depth and

they work?

snow density as these two pieces of information are required to

A schematic of a “full” site is shown in Figure 2 and photos are in Figure 3. The stations measure snow depth with an ultrasonic sensor (SR50), along with other regular climate parameters such as temperature, wind speed and direction, humidity and rain. The snow depth sensor works by transmitting ultrasonic pulses towards the ground, measuring the time it takes for the echoes to return from

500 m in elevation, but less than 10% of our network at or above these elevations. This disparity is even more accentuated at higher

network, combined with advanced model capabilities, will improve

the closest surface, and using the measurement to determine the

elevations, with only a few sparse and mainly non-continuous (i.e.

scientific understanding of seasonal snow, avalanches, snow melt

distance to it. As snow falls, this distance decreases, so the sensor

seasonal) records available above 1000 m. By comparison, the

and climate change impacts in New Zealand and help us assess the

measures the total height of the snow as it accumulates. The sensor

13 14 CRYSTAL CRYSTAL BALL BALL

estimate the snow water equivalence (SWE), i.e. the amount of water locked up in the snowpack. This is really important for spring runoff and recharge as in some catchments this component of the water balance can be very substantial. Snow is also very sensitive to changes in temperature (and precipitation), so this new snow data will provide us with another index or measure of climate change. This data is also important for real time applications like avalanche forecasting. Using a snow depth sensor and snowpillow we can observe the density of a layer of snow (Figure 4) – as many will know, as a generalisation, light snow, overlaid by denser snow is generally

CRYSTAL BALL 14

bad news. Snowpack temperatures also allow us to track liquid water

purposes, including snow and avalanche management and hut /

providing real-time data to a number of key groups and agencies. We

within the snowpack, helping us determine if the snowpack has

track closures. At most sites, this is the first time that real-time

have also built and aim to install several more sites in the 2010/2011

become isothermal, or to what depth the water has penetrated.

data has been available from these remote locations to assist

summer. The real-time data from these sites are already providing

in management decisions. The data is also provided to the

valuable observations as input for the creation of MSC daily public

Figure 4 shows a graph of the snow depth and SWE from a storm

Mountain Safety Council for use in the creation of the daily

avalanche forecasts and will increasingly do so as we complete the

in early May at the Murchison Mountains site. Here we can see that

backcountry avalanche advisory (BAA) as posted on www.avalanche.

national network. If you find one of our sites as part of your trips into

there was approximately 0.16 m of snow and this represented about

net.nz page. This new stream of data enables the regional avalanche

the Mountains please don’t be tempted to tinker with it, please just

16mm of water. This indicated that the density of this snowfall was

forecaster to have an improved understanding about snow depths

give it the respect that a piece of expensive and sensitive scientific

around 100 kg/m3, or that the snow had approximately 10% water

and densities, temperatures, wind speed and direction from a

equipment deserves. We have sited them to minimise their visual

content (which is light for New Zealand snow, but not atypical for a

remote location, where manual observations are not possible. The

impact – so other than a few exceptions (where they are sited next

cold early season storm). As the season progressed, we observed the

public also have free access to most of this data within a few hours /

to a hut), you will need to search really hard to find them!

snowpack “ripen” and the water content slowly rises to about 30%

days, following quality assurance procedures undertaken by NIWA,

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

and at the end of winter / early spring, when it started melting,

via our web page www.cliflo.co.nz

it will sit around 45-55%. Real time non quality assured data for each site is provided to the land owners or managers via access to

In summary, since 2006 we have made good progress towards the

an internet web page. In many cases this is the Department of

goal of developing a National Snow and Ice Network for New Zea-

Dr Jordy Hendrikx

Conservation and they are using it for a range of management

land. We have eleven operational sites, including eight new sites,

NIWA Snow & Ice Scientist E: j.hendrikx@niwa.co.nz

Figure 3 (A) A summer photo of the Murchison Mountains site in Fiordland National Park

CRYSTAL BALL 1615 CRYSTAL BALL

Figure 4 (B) A winter photo of the Mahanga site in Nelson Lakes National Park.

Figure 4 Early snow storm in May 2009 showing the snow depth from down looking ultrasonic (blue) compared with Snow Water Equivalent (red).

CRYSTAL BALL 16

DON BOGIE

ATES Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale

ATES is the avalanche terrain exposures scale. It is independent of

other groups and organisations have a need for more detailed

stability. The terrain class remains the same no matter what the

analysis to work out where they wish to operate they will need to

snow stability is. ATES was developed in Canada by Parks Canada

take these larger areas and split them into smaller blocks. This

and the Canadian Avalanche Association. It is designed to give users

information can then be incorporated into information that DOC and

information on the level of exposure to avalanche hazard when they

the MSC supply to visitors. As guidebooks are written or revised it

go into uncontrolled avalanche terrain. ATES has been adopted in

would be good if they could include the ATES classifications of the

New Zealand by the Mountain Safety Council and the Department

routes and trips in them.

of Conservation for providing backcountry users with information on likely exposure to avalanches. MSC also uses it for deciding

Assessing the terrain

where instruction courses can be run and DOC also uses it for staff

ATES assessments should be done by a small group of people who

risk management purposes by setting defined levels of staff skill

are familiar with the terrain. At least one person in that group needs

for each terrain class.

to have the stage 2 avalanche qualification. When the assessment

ATES zone map for Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

is done a technical model form (see later in this article) needs to ATES can be applied to fixed features such as a track or marked

be filled in for each area being assessed. Displaying the results.

route, or to an unmarked route, or to parts of catchments or ranges,

An ATES assessment can be displayed either through marking the

terrain class should be used in the text and reference made to the

or to entire catchments or ranges. It is important to be clear about

classifications onto a map or by the use of a list. When putting

ATES system and where to get more information on it. The use of

what it is applied to because the scale at which it is applied could

ATES assessments onto maps this should be done in a GIS system

the terrain class on warning signs should also be encouraged.

affect the category outcome. When an ATES assessment is done of

with the simple terrain in green, challenging in blue and complex in

a catchment or mountain range it is likely that the area has in it a

black. If the ATES assessment is being done as a text list then the

When preparing pamphlets the appropriate terrain class should be

mixture of simple, challenging and complex. The finer the scale

colours should be used if possible either through the lists of each

used in the text and reference made to the ATES system and where

used the more definite things will be. When assessing a large area

terrain class being in the appropriate colour or through the use of a

to get more information on it. The use of the terrain class on warning

you should think about what sort of user goes there and the

coloured header bar. When preparing pamphlets the appropriate

signs should also be encouraged.

degree of use. If a lot of use is in a specific place then this should be looked at separately. As an example a mountain range may generally be challenging but contain areas of complex. It still meets the definition of challenging because people have options for avoiding avalanche paths. If people are using a particular valley in

SIMPLE

challenging

COMPLEX

the range where there is no option for avoiding avalanche terrain then that place is complex.

Aoraki Mount Cook Village

Upper Tasman Glacier

Ball Hut Rd

ATES assessments of the New Zealand backcountry will occur over

Tasman Valley Floor

Liebig Range

Grand Plateau

a period of time. For the 2010 winter DOC has classified Aoraki Mt

Murchison Valley Floor

Mueller Glacier

Upper Hooker Valley

Cook National Park and surrounding terrain and Tongariro National

Track to Mueller Hut

Park. More assessments of other places should occur for the 2011 winter and be available through the MSC and DOC websites. Initially many of these assessments will be done as larger scale assessments of catchments and ranges in order to give visitors a general indication of the likely ATES class contained in that area. If

1817CRYSTAL CRYSTALBALL BALL

Example of part of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

CRYSTAL BALL 18

Public Information model The following table is the public information model. This information will need to go into any web sites giving information on ATES and into ATES pamphlets and visitor centre information along with the accompanying advice on the amount of experience needed. An important part of ATES is providing advice to the public on how much experience is needed. Note that the experience level goes up for places with no avalanche advisories.

SIMPLE

How do Exposure to low angle or primarily forested terrain. Some forest openings es AT A raki/Mou ES apply in may involve the runout zones of infrequent avalanches. Many optionsoto nt Cook The majo reduce or eliminate exposure. No glacier travel. Nation rity

al Park? of the pa Be avala nche aw e country. rk and surround are! in g If te you are g rr a There is in is serio oing into very little us su places a re s imple te you: of challe valanche rra nging te s could o Exposure to well defined avalanche paths, starting zones or terrain traps; rrain. The in and a modera ava • ccur, ma lanche te h a te ve check majority a m ke o rr u a n in t o e , which d d the AT f the park use it. Se options exist to reduce or eliminate exposure with careful routefinding. g e o E mands re is comp S class fo and the B e insert le spect fro r where yo AA for th m all who x • have Glacier travel is straightforward but crevasse hazards may exist. All park visi e avalan u want to che ratin the skills tors shou g for the AT avalanch ld consid • take ES class e terrain er carefu a n th a yo lly valanche ey are go avalanch u are goin the class transceiv ing into, e-dange probe. K g into and check of r advisory er, a sno now how w shovel prior to u to use th the Avalanc and a n e dertaking se tools! h e R s is e a k s Exposure to multiple overlapping avalanche paths or large expanses of stateme on any trip. At higher nt altitudes ATES and steep, open terrain; multiple avalanche starting zones and terrain avalanch the BAA yeartraps as snow should be e s and man can occu falls yearused toge aging pe below; minimal options to reduce exposure. Complicated glacier travel r at any tim at p round in articular rsonal ris ther for ev e of the the park. risk durin k in the ba aluating Th er e are inhere hazards Climbers g the sum ckcountry with extensive crevasse bands or icefalls. During w nt risks in . can be mer at hig routes de inter and ba ckcountry scribed he her eleva spring, a park track travel, an tions. re will at valanche avalanch s, and on d most of th times be es. The D s can the Ball H following unsafe du e epartmen provide ac ut road. To occur on some applies a e to pote t of Conse curate in ntial snow t three si rvation ha reduce ris formation ty pi tes: ca s l of each done its k, the describin be ge g the terra st to neral regi However Hooker in charac on, base , it is up to Valley Tr d on its cu teristics you to us risk-man ack rrent know e this info agement • Durin le dg rmation to e. decision g period backcoun uncertain, hiring a professional NZMGA qualified guide is s and lear make yo try travel, ur own n the nece of the lake s of high risk to to access and to ex people a ssary skill , this track ad er di ci tio s t se th fo na ca r safe beyond th e outlet e l trip-plan is closed recommended ution whi informatio ning mat nd le travelli . You sh e outlet e n is no su erials, ng in back ould not nd of the right ava bstitute fo country ar go lake unle lanche e r experie ea s. xperience ss you h nce and This ave the Ball Hut good judg . Road ement. • Larg Technical Model e avalan ches reg and into ularly cr the sprin BA g. You sh oss the road each The technical model is used to define each class and utilises markethe d avalan ould not winter Backcou A – ch stop in a e paths. C for the la ntr n y o h f the eck with test avala model being used by Parks Canada as at May 2010. Avalanc y th nche info four-whe he rmation p e visitor centre el driving rior to wa here. Advisory (version 1.04) The following link http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/ Mueller lking or Hut Rou te • The The Back banff/visit/visit7a1_e.asp takes you to the Parks Canada avalanche route to M ueller Hu Avalanch country avalanch t travels e Adviso e terrain. th ro ry u g web page. The technical model should be made available on websites h comple There is is provid exposed no way to x ed by the to avalan avoid be che dang there is e M o u n in tain Safe g er on this nough sn but should not be used in pamphlets or visitor centre adisplays. ty route wh ow valanche Council, en s. Check in the start zones and is to produ at the visi avalanch available ce tor centre es are lik at ely to be to see if www.ava • If yo an issue lanche.n u lack exp . et.nz Changes from the Canadian Model erience a our recom t travellin mendatio g in avala n is that down fro nche terr you sh msystem ain, the hut w ATES as applied in New Zealand is as close to the Canadian h en the ava ould only go up • If sta or lanche d ying ove anger is rnare ight in th as possible. The technical model and public information low. preparemodel e hut, yo d to u need to you are th stay longer if the b e danger le the same. The only differences are in the “how much experience do I ere. Published vel rises by while Departm en avalanch

and on days when the Backcountry Avalanche Advisory is rated Considerable or higher, you may want to re-think any backcountry travel that has exposure to avalanches – stay within the boundaries of a ski area. If there is no advisory you or someone in your group should have done an avalanche awareness course. Challenging (Class 2) terrain requires skills to recognize and avoid avalanche prone terrain – big slopes exist on these trips. You must also know how to understand avalanche advisories, perform avalanche self rescue, basic first aid, and be confident in your route finding skills. In places with an avalanche advisory exists you should take an avalanche course prior to travelling in this type of terrain. If there is no advisory you or someone in your group should have done the 4 day backcountry avalanche course. If you are unsure of your own, or your group’s ability to navigate through avalanche terrain - consider hiring a professional guide, normally an NZMGA qualified guide. Complex (Class 3) terrain demands a strong group with years of critical decision-making experience in avalanche terrain.

Park

These trips may not be entirely free from avalanche hazards,

National

backcountry experience.

need?” section where the relevant New Zealand course names have been used and some additional material on skill levels for where there is no advisory has been added.

group should have taken a 4 day backcountry avalanche course and has several years of backcountry experience. Be prepared! Check the

t of Cons ervation Canterbu ry Conser vancy Private Ba g 4715 Christchu rch, New Zealand 2010

www.doc

.govt.nz

The Canadian model has several references to trees in it. While there are very few start zones in New Zealand in trees there are a lot of avalanche paths that run down to valley floor through mature forest so trees are still relevant to the New Zealand situation.

There can be no safe options on these trips, forcing exposure to big slopes. A recommended minimum is that you or someone in your

al park

nt Cook

Simple terrain is usually low avalanche risk, ideal for people gaining

cook n ation

raki/Mou

first aid skills, and the discipline to respect avalanche warnings.

mount

Road, Ao

Simple (Class 1) terrain requires common sense, proper equipment,

aoraki/

he terra in rating s

Ball Hut

How much experience do I need for these trips?

Avalanc

alert e

nche on

be avalan ch

oto: Avala

complex

Cover ph

challenging

An example of how DOC will be using/publicizing ATES Don Bogie e: dbogie@doc.govt.nz

avalanche advisory regularly, and ensure everyone in your group is up for the task and aware of the risk. If there is no advisory then it is recommended that everyone in the group has done the 4 day backcountry course. This is serious country - not a place to consider unless you’re confident in the skills of your group. If you are 20 19 CRYSTAL CRYSTAL BALL BALL

CRYSTAL BALL 20

SIMPLE

Park

These trips may not be entirely free from avalanche hazards,

National

backcountry experience.

need?” section where the relevant New Zealand course names have been used and some additional material on skill levels for where there is no advisory has been added.

group should have taken a 4 day backcountry avalanche course and has several years of backcountry experience. Be prepared! Check the

t of Cons ervation Canterbu ry Conser vancy Private Ba g 4715 Christchu rch, New Zealand 2010

www.doc

.govt.nz

There can be no safe options on these trips, forcing exposure to big slopes. A recommended minimum is that you or someone in your

al park

nt Cook

Simple terrain is usually low avalanche risk, ideal for people gaining

cook n ation

raki/Mou

first aid skills, and the discipline to respect avalanche warnings.

mount

Road, Ao

Simple (Class 1) terrain requires common sense, proper equipment,

aoraki/

he terra in rating s

Ball Hut

How much experience do I need for these trips?

Avalanc

alert e

nche on

be avalan ch

oto: Avala

complex

Cover ph

challenging

An example of how DOC will be using/publicizing ATES Don Bogie e: dbogie@doc.govt.nz

CRYSTAL BALL 20

Andy Hoyle

Explosives for Avalanche Control SETTING THE STANDARD IN AVALAUNCHER SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE Â? Â?Â? Â? Â? Â Â Â&#x20AC; Â? Â&#x201A;Â?Â&#x201A;Â&#x192; Â&#x201E; Â&#x2026; Â&#x2020; Â&#x2020; Â&#x2021; Â? Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2030;Â? Â Â&#x160;

An update on where we are at now and where we are trying to go in the future.

Over the last few years a group of snow industry representatives

This review uncovered a significant short fall and the direction of the

have met every year or so to review the National SOPs for Explosives

project shifted slightly towards getting a very comprehensive set of

use for Avalanche Control in NZ. In countries such as Canada and the

SOPs that will form the basis of a training system for all personnel

US, even in NZ, regulations around explosives use are getting tighter.

being trained in avalanche control. All the SOPs and Safe Working

Â Â?

The snow industry cannot afford to be seen as a group that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

Instructions have been drafted up and are in final review currently. A

progress itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safety standards, As much as we know safety is a daily

roll out process will commence through this winter, comments and

focus, sometimes our documentation doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reflect that.

feedback are greatly appreciated - but keep an open mind - the look

Unfortunately, the people making decisions about explosives

and appearance is very different to the current SOP in use. We are

regulations and other aspects of our businesses increasingly donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

aiming for another meeting â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;of the mindsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Christchurch later in

have a clue what an avalanche is. So, in late 2007 an outside

the season to discuss how the new SOPs are bedding in and where to

expert was engaged by SAANZ (Ski Areas Association of NZ) to

from here. One question that we all need to think about is, can our

perform an independent risk analysis on the current SOPs with an

industry effectively regulate itself against these SOPs or should it be

eye to developing them into something with a bit more substance

an outside agency doing this? Another question that should be top

and to ensure that the practices were consistent with industry best

of any ski patrol managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind currently is; who is going to (Test)

practice. In 2009 the working group met again in Christchurch and

certify my staff in the future?

decided to submit a proposal to SAANZ for funding to progress the

We will all be painted with the same brush if there is an incident

SOPs to a more legally substantial Approved Code of Practice. This

involving explosives in avalanche control - and now is the time for us

proposal was accepted by the SAANZ group and work started in the

to band together and get this aspect of our work sorted out.

summer of 2009/10. Simon De Bono was engaged as a consultant to

Questions, concerns or comments about the new SOPs or related

firstly review the SOPs and assess the work required to get them up

topics can be directed

to the standard required for Approved Code of Practice.

directly to me.

Â Â? Â? Â?Â? Â? Â Â Â&#x20AC; Â Â&#x201A;Â&#x201A; Â&#x192; Â?Â? Â&#x192; Â&#x192; Â&#x201E; Â&#x201A; Â&#x2026;Â&#x201A; Â&#x201A; Â&#x2026; Â?Â Â?Â&#x192; Â&#x2020; Â Â&#x2021;

ANDY HOYLE Safety Services Manager - Whakapapa e: ahoyle@mtruapehu.com

w w w.s n o w t eksyst em s. co m

22 21 CRYSTAL CRYSTAL BALL BALL

CRYSTAL BALL 22

annie dignan

Avalanche Event Summary 1998- 2009

Fig 1: A comparison of the number of reported events, the number of people caught and the number of fatalities for the decade 1998-2009

100 90

While these figures give us an indication of the activity last

season, we feel that they are just a snapshot of the real numbers. Anecdotal evidence shows that we are not capturing all the incidents that are happening. This means that robust research is difficult to undertake. It is critically important for evaluation, planning, development and saving lives that all near-misses, involvements and incidents are reported. Under reporting happens for a number of reasons. The current structure of the INFO-EX may be inhibiting complete reporting. We hope that this will be addressed with the new system in 2011. With this new programme we also hope to gain added commitment and support from an increased subscriber pool.

70 60 50 40 30

Difficulty for the public to make easy observations has also been

to submit observations to the forecasters, who in turn will enter relevant data into the Info-Ex.

All of these things will help in creating a clearer picture of the avalanche environment. But more needs to be done to highlight the importance of reporting all near-misses and involvements. As risk

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

2006 2007

2008 2009

analysis shows, the actual accidents are just the tip of the iceberg and only a small change in circumstance can dramatically change

TOTAL NUMBER OF EVENTS REPORTED

the result.

TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE CAUGHT

TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE KILLED

One of the core principles of the recommendations by the Department of Labour in the Tourism and Adventure Operations review is that: “Safety information is willingly exchanged externally. Exchange of safety information:

FIG 2: The graph below indicates the range of activities people were engaging in when the reported avalanche incident took place.

safety provisions. Commercial interests are pushed aside in the interests of achieving better safety outcomes through shared learning.”

NUMBER OF EVENTS

Backcountry ski/board

seeking information that may strengthen their own

Heliski & Board

lessons learned) with others while externally

Total

effort to share safety information (including

Boarding

organisations make a conscious and formalised Skiing

This programme provides a fantastic stepping stone towards guiding or instructing in the snow environment and is recognised by the industry as providing suitable pre-employment training.

simple email templates that should help members of the public

Ski touring

Programme includes: • Pre-hospital Emergency Care • Avalanche Stage 1 • Rescue Toboggans • Mountain Meteorology • Snow Blasting • Chairlift Evacuation • Advanced Skiing / Snowboarding • Basic Mountaineering Techniques • Slope Hazard Management • Work Place Experience!

proposed new Backcountry Avalanche Advisory site will contain

Ski / Work in Ski area

BASED IN WANAKA & TREBLE CONE STARTS MARCH 2011

FILMING

Certificate in Ski Patrol

identified as an inhibiting factor in the collection of data. The

Thank you to all those organisations and individuals that do take the time to enter data into the Info-Ex and please continue with your support. We have a good system in place that will only get better. The sharing of this data is important for the safety

PEOPLE CAUGHT

of everybody.

24 23CRYSTAL CRYSTALBALL BALL

CRYSTAL BALL 24

The New Zealand Heliski Operators Group (NZHOG) is now into its second year of existence as the body setting standards for heliskiing activities in NZ . The idea originated by IFMGA Heliski guides Tarn Pilkington and Hugh Barnard now comprises a membership of nine , including all the key companies in the industry and accounts for around 90 percent of the visitors days in NZ. A Code of Practice was formally adopted this year and member companies are intergrating requirements into their operations during the 2010 season. The idea is not new as a similiar group â&#x20AC;&#x153;Helicatâ&#x20AC;? exists in British Columbia ,Canada. The underlying principle like many other co-operative industry groups is to collabaratively set standards thereby increasing safety and enhancing the visitor experience. The group has a website where visitors can view member information and learn about safety standards in the industry.

25 CRYSTAL BALL BALL 26 CRYSTAL

CRYSTAL BALL 26

Karl Birkeland

What is the ECT/ PST?

Avalanche forecasting relies on collecting diverse data, including

and the Propagation Saw Test (PST) (Gauthier and Jamieson, 2006;

For the most up to date / relevant original work on the ECT you

data from the snowpack. The most highly prized snowpack data is

Sigrist and Schweizer, 2007). Both aim

might want to refer to:

termed “low entropy” or “bulls-eye” data. These are data that

to investigate the fracture propagation potential of the

unambiguously inform the observer about the state of the snow-

snowpack. This is a critically important part of the avalanche puzzle

pack, and include things like observing avalanches or hearing the

since avalanche release requires both fracture

snow collapse with a whumpﬁng sound. Other snowpack data

initiation and fracture propagation along the weak layer. Not only are

might not be so unambiguous. For example, avalanche forecasters

these tests useful for stability evaluation, but they allow us to better

dig snowpits and do stability tests to help to ascertain whether

investigate some of the factors associated with fracture propagation

the snowpack is unstable. However, interpreting stability tests is

in the field, such as changes in slab depth, snow surface warming,

typically not straightforward, and most existing snowpit tests have

and fracture propagation mechanics in weak snowpack layers.

false-stability rates around 10% (Birkeland and Chabot, 2006). In other words, when conducting such tests on slopes with clear signs

The motivation for developing the PST and the ECT

of instability, observers can expect to get test results typically

differed. Investigators developed the PST primarily as a

associated with stable slopes about 10% of the time. This value is

fracture propagation test. On the other hand, the ETC

unacceptably high and is why avalanche practitioners must use

was developed as a stability test. As with all stability tests,

much more data than simply stability tests. Clearly, a need for

the primary goal of the ECT is to discriminate between

better field stability tests exists.

stable and unstable slopes. Although not a pure fracture

The last few years have seen the development of two new tests. The Extended Column Test (ECT) (Simenhois and Birkeland, 2006)

propagation test, the ECT does help to index the fracture

2827CRYSTAL CRYSTALBALL BALL

http://www.fsavalanche.org/NAC/techPages/articles/08_ISSW_ECTupdate.pdf or http://www.fsavalanche.org/NAC/techPages/articles/07_TAR_ ECT_Update_Simenhois.pdf and for the PST: e.g. http://www.ucalgary.ca/asarc/files/asarc/PstValidation_ Issw09_Ross.pdf or http://schulich.ucalgary.ca/asarc/files/asarc/PstCompared_Issw08_ Gauthier.pdf

“Dr J. Hendrikx researching the new TST (teeth stress test) that measures the strength of surface crusts.”

propagation propensity of buried weak layers.

CRYSTAL BALL 28

A few years ago Jef Desbecker, BCA and the Mountain Safety Council teamed up on a new initiative to install transceiver training plots at ski fields in the Southern Lake region. After many winters of good service the original plot at the Remarkables Ski Field, has now been up graded. In the spirit of “clean/green NZ” we have “recycled” the old system and are currently re-installing it at Porter Heights Ski Field. Although it’s not quite the shiny new set up it once was, with a little love, care and kiwi ingenuity I’m sure that it will serve many more years helping people practice their skills.

New Transceiver Training Plots

Blake H arrington a nd D avid Trippet, P iedra Blancas G lacier, Argentine Patagonia. MIKEY SCHAEFER

Travelling in The

A few years ago Jef Desbecker, BCA and the Mountain Safety Council

backcounTry?

teamed up on a new initiative to install transceiver training plots at ski fields in the Southern Lake region. After many winters of good service the original plot at the Remarkables Ski Field, has now been up graded. In the spirit of “clean/green NZ” we have “recycled” the old system and are currently re-installing it at Porters Ski Area. Although it’s not quite the shiny new set up it once was, with a little love, care and kiwi ingenuity I’m sure that it will serve many more years helping people practice their skills. From the MSC, a big THANK YOU to BCA and Jef for their great work and support in ensuring that the New Zealand public have these facilities available. This also extends to the ski areas (Remarkables, Cadrona, Treble Cone, Porters Ski Area and Mt Cheeseman) for their commitment to keeping these facilities open and running throughout the winter.

The Remarkables ski-patrol laying out their new BCA Transceiver Training Plot.

Creek Grange ACE Ltd

Avalanche control the New Zealand publicsupplies have these facilities available. This also extends to the ski areas

From the MSC, a big THANK YOU to BCA and Jef for their great work and support in ensuring that (Remarkables, Cadrona, Treble Cone, Porter Heights and Mt Cheeseman) for their commitment to keeping these facilities open and running throughout the winter.

Exclusive Suppliers of:ACE Rounds — New Zealand designed Avalanche Control Explosive Rounds. ACE Rounds have been proven efficient and accurate. Also suppliers of:Dyno Nobel product from North America Full product range of avalanche control supplies available in both North & South Island Training available for:Approved Handler Licence Controlled Substance Licence [all training overseen by Qualified Assessors] 30 29 CRYSTAL CRYSTAL BALL BALL

Creek Grange ACE Ltd Orautoha, R D 6, Raetihi, 4696

Phone: 0064 6 385 4235 Contact: Allan Tod: 0064 274 437 327 Dave Craig: 0064 274 344 438 Email: info@creekgrange.co.nz

BlackDiamondEquipment.com

Photo: ACE Round firing from a Nitro Express at Mt Hutt CRYSTAL BALL 30

the likelihood of the first person entering the slope to trigger an avalanche is proven to be considerably greater than for the rest of the group

Manuel Genswein, Meilen, Switzerland

Can A Client Save Your LiFe?

of the 15min training session has been optimized in order to achieve

HOW MUCH TRAINING IS REALISTIC AND ADEQUATE

the greatest possible rescue efficiency. Data collected in the field

Central to this discussion is the amount of time needed to

included times for coordination; times for each individual phase of

adequately train the clients. The treshhold for clients and guides

the search process as well as the different stages of excavation,

is rather low compared to non-commercial groups, where education

plus photos and video documentation.

is a substantial part of the work for a guide.

Results show rescue by commercial guests is efficient and

After extensive enquiries with many commercial guiding, off-piste

residual survival chances are surprisingly high even in a scenario with

and helicopter skiing organizations (daily and weekly operators)

two buried subjects. By emphasizing “Safety“, some commercial

in regards to an “acceptable” amount of time allocated for client

operators create expectations that are difficult to fulfil in the context

training, the choice for an adequate and practicably possible time

of ski touring, heliskiing or off-piste skiing. This does not help the

frame was 15 minutes. For those operators who have always valued

clients’ mental preparedness for an accident. The efficiency of companion rescue with minimal training has been

fundamental training, this may appear quite short. For those guides

The motivation to train their clients is partly due to their own

proven in real accidents as well as in large scale field tests where

that have “just hung the transceiver around the clients’ neck”, each

interest and partly due to laws concerning product liability. In

participants with almost no prior rescue experience have been

minute appears to be too much. Ultimately the 15 minute time frame

countries with harsher product liability laws the training of clients

trained in three standardized training modules of 45min. Below the

meets the requirement for “acceptance“ and “usefulness“.

is implemented more thorough than in countries where those laws

segment of companion rescue by professionals or recreational users

Especially those who see the situation in a rather pessimistic light

barely exist. Another interesting fact is the diverging opinion among

who venture on their own into the backcountry, there is the large

might put a little more importance into adequate training and

guides as to the usefulnes of training their clients. Some guides

group of clients from commercial guiding, off-piste and helicopter

personal rescue equipment for clients once they see the rather

highly value a good base education also for their own good in order

skiing organizations.

convincing test results.

to be rescued. Others just hang an avalanche transceiver around

Concerning the level of training, available training times, mental and

Increasing client training time from 15 to 30 minutes would with

the neck of their clients and have resigned themselves to never

physical preparedness as well as average age, this group is very

great likelihood not significantly increase rescue efficiency. In the

having a hope of being rescued by them. Because of the hopeless

different from non-commercially guided back country users.

additional time no great advantages in search and rescue techniques

attitude of the latter group, typically their clients don’t get equipped

The likelihood of the first person entering the slope to trigger an

are achieved. A valuable addition would be a short practice of a

with probe and shovel, which makes a rescue basically impossible.

avalanche is proven to be considerably greater than for the rest of

rescue scenario. Within the chosen time frame it is technically

The combination of probe, shovel and transceiver – called personal

the group. Despite this, there is only little effort in training guests

possible to learn search/location strategy for multiple burials

rescue equipment - forms the base of an efficient rescue. This holds

in rescue and confidence that they will ever be able to save a

by applying the „marking“ feature

true even for commercial back country operators. In this context, the

guides life.

potentially rapid availability of rescue equipment – e.g. Helicopter

In a field test including guests of commercial ski- and mountain

aided companion rescue by heliski companies – is not enough of an

PRACTICAL TRAINING MODULE

guides the potential level of efficiency was determined during three

excuse to fail in outfitting each client with their individual personal

The 15 minute training module included the following content:

days in standardized rescue scenarios. The guests were trained in

rescue equipment.

one 15min practical workshop. Then, guests were separated from

The topic of training and equipping clients appears especially

probe

their guides with the task to search and excavate as a group effort

important, if one considers that statistically it is the first person

Basic handling of transceiver; Off-send-search

two buried subjects in a 50m x 80m field.

to enter a slope, that has clearly a higher probability to release an

Practical search with explanation of each search phase

Based on the outcome of the rescue scenario, the content

avalanche than subsequent persons.

Signal search; move, find signal

How to teach someone to find you, fast.

32 31CRYSTAL CRYSTALBALL BALL

General goal and overview with Search procedure, shovel and

CRYSTAL BALL 32

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Course search; move in direction of arrow Fine search; approach slowly and precisely

The field test results prove that there exist very realistic survival

Pinpoint search with spiral Probing

chances within a commercially guided group if the main group

Evacuation with V shaped Conveyer concept

member, the guide, is part of the buried victims. The surprisingly short search times make it clear, that short and efficient guest

RESULTS

training makes sense. The common opinion, that a guest is not a

All participants were clients of commercial ski- and mountain

deciding factor to ensure the survival of the guide, is hereby not

guides as well as ski instructors. For the field test the clients were

accurate and has clearly been proven wrong. A specifically positive

separated from their guides. 83 clients participated in 14 groups.

result is the fact that despite the short training time, the second

The knowledge of the clients was varied, mostly however they were

buried subject was located and excavated in all scenarios. Clearly

beginners. The average age of 53. 17 clients were older than 65 years.

this result can be attributed to the technically advanced transceivers

Guides were instructed not to hold any special educational lessons

with marking function. Problems arose for the rescuers that did not

prior to the test. At the time of the test clients knew each other for

mark the 1st buried subject while transitioning to locate the 2nd

a couple of hours up to a couple of days.

buried subject. Those problems indicate that transceivers could

Fastest excavation

SLOWEST excavation

1ST BURIED SUBJECT

4:20min

22:30min

2ND BURIED SUBJECT

6:48min

27:00min

further be improved. The biggest time lag resulted between the completed excavation

A basic requirement to achieve above results is to always outfit

of the 1st buried subject and the start of the fine search for the 2nd

clients with modern rescue equipment which is adequate for the

buried subject. Those rescuers who did not locate and mark the 1st

respective user group (Probe, shovel, transceiver with â&#x20AC;&#x153;markingâ&#x20AC;&#x153;

buried subject themselves confessed often great difficulty in

function. The author recommends that instructors use the guidelines

physically removing themselves from the 1st buried subject and mov-

and search- and rescue techniques outlined in this paper when train-

ing towards the 2nd buried subject, as the distance indication

ing their clients.

on their transceiver increased.

The full paper can be downloaded at Avalanche.net.nz/research or

Table 2: shows the fastest and slowest times measured.

www.genswein.com

TIME (SECONDS)

1000

15:43MIN

900 800 11:55MIN 700 600 500 6:39MIN 400 300 200

The people who are experienced in supplying quality emergency and medical products 100 0

To view our comprehensive range of Emergency Care and Patient Management equipment we invite you to visit our Web site: 1st buried 1. VERSCHUTTETER subject free FREIGELEGT

Start Search STARTFine FEINORTUNG 2. 2nd buried subject VERCHUTTETER

Fig 1: 14 groups of 83 clients reached the following median times for locating and completely excavating the buried subjects. Table 2 shows

2nd buried 2. VERSCHUTTETER subject free FREIGELEGT

2ND BURRIED SUBJECT

6:48min

www.frontmed.co.nz

27:00min

Or call us on free phone 0508 414 564 (available 24hrs, 7 days a week)

the fastest and slowest times measured. 34 33 CRYSTAL CRYSTAL BALL BALL

CRYSTAL BALL 34

•

Helps prevent full burial in the event of an avalanche

•

Has been shown to decrease mortality rate to 3-4%*

•

Head On Top technology (H.O.T) helps keep your head up and your body upright in the avalanche

•

H.O.T. also increases trauma protection for the head, neck and chest

•

15 litre, 30 litre and 45 litre versions

despite the effectiveness of airbags they don’t replace good judgement, training or experience

Available in New Zealand direct from SNOWPULSE NZ For more information - www.snowpulse.ch - snowpulsenz@gmail.com - 021 909 315

* Ref: Brugger/Faulk, Analysis of avalanche safety equipment for backcountry skiers.

andrew hobman Airbags and Avalungs could also be considered in this category. In

total burial (a transceiver) and/ or prolonging the survival time during

However, despite the effectiveness of airbags, they don’t replace

the situation of a principal/contractor relationship, the principal does

a total burial (an AvaLung). The survival in relation to burial time

good judgment, training or experience. An avalanche transceiver is

not need to provide the contractor with PPE, but may require the

graph (pictured), the statistical model that much of our thinking is

still an essential piece of equipment, as are the shovel and probe.

contractor to provide their own. They could also be held accountable

based around, reinforces the expectation of total burial. The critical

A critical wait-and- see attitude towards Airbags has been prevalent

for not ensuring that they do so. This is an area that needs more

difference between the safety equipment available is that Airbag

amongst backcountry travellers who use the argument that their

work and clarification. In light of all this, articles focusing on the

devices are aiming to prevent or reduce the extent of burial. This in

success has not been proven. Now there is strong evidence, which

deaths last year, plus the recent accidents at Mt Hutt have drawn

different PPE options will be featured in the next issues of the

effect smoothes out or extends the “death kink” (at 18mins) in the

counters this kind of thinking. However, there are still the usual

intense media interest and have highlighted the issue of “safety

Crystal Ball. The first of these is on AIRBAGS.

Brugger-Falk graph.

arguments such as the Airbags price, weight, and “never putting

equipment” for the avalanche industry. Helmets, Airbags and the

The concept of terrain management and avoidance of all avalanche

A reliable analysis, conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Snow

oneself in such a high risk situation anyway”.

Avalung are increasingly in the spotlight. The Department of

involvement is of course the main focus of teaching and training.

and Avalanche research (SFISAR), of the documented avalanche

There is a slight sense of de ja vu after hearing accounts of similar

Labour stipulates that an employer not providing adequate

But when discussing an avalanche involvement, current thinking is

accidents where avalanche airbags were used, showed of the persons

sentiment following the introduction of the avalanche transceiver in

personal protective equipment (PPE) is in a potential breach of the

justifiably based around the assumption of a total burial. Teaching

involved, 97.5% survived the accident.

the early 1970’s. However, Airbag use is growing. This season in New

Employment Relations Act, due to not taking “All practicable steps”.

and training are focused on devices and concepts to address this.

Avalanche airbags have been on the market since 1985 in the form of

Zealand, a snowboarder survived a size 2 avalanche by deploying

So far, the Department’s focus appears to be on helmets, but

Common rescue devices aim at shortening the duration of a

the “Mono Airbag”. The emergence of the dual ABS Airbag system,

their recentlypurchased Airbag.

the “Avagear” rescue vest and the “K2 Avalanche Ball” were

There are half a dozen Airbags being manufactured internationally

extensively tested in 2000/01 by the SFISAR and found that Airbags

and each one offers its own benefits. Here in New Zealand Airbags

help keep the victim on or near the surface of an avalanche. By

are available from Snowpulse and BCA.

AIRBAGS The recent Coroners Courts concerning New Zealand’s avalanche

177

avoiding or reducing full burial times the mortality rate is

greatly reduced. The principle behind the operation of these devices is based on the phenomenon of inverse segregation in granular flows. In essence larger blocks are drawn to the surface. The airbag

increases a person’s volume by up to 1.5 times. Studies on

Worth another look? The supporting research data is available at www.mountainsafety.org.nz/research

involvements with people wearing airbags show that although the victim does not always end up on the surface, the rescue time is significantly decreased by either a shallower burial or a visual clue in Survived

Dead

the form of the brightly coloured airbag. Some models also have a self deflation function which provides an air pocket and or reduces

14 3

the pressure on the chest if the victim is buried. Where the victim is not buried there is still a chance of serious injury or death from trauma caused by the slide. Airbag technology helps to reduce the effect of trauma by cushioning the body and stiffening the spine and some models fully encase the head.

Not buried

35 36 CRYSTAL CRYSTAL BALL BALL

Partly buried

Completely buried (Airbag on surface)

Completely buried Degree of burial (Airbag on surface) unknown

CRYSTAL BALL 36

DUNCAN FERNER

avalanche search and rescue workshop 2010

New North American Danger Scale

Annually we can expect 20 – 30 avalanche incidents with somewhere

In late 2009 the Canadian and United States Avalanche

between 4 to 20 of them requiring a co-ordinated Search and Rescue

Organisations adopted a new model for the Avalanche Danger Scale.

(SAR) responses. On average, a major avalanche incident occurs

One of the objectives was to make the system risk-based. A risk-

every 3 – 5 years. Last season, several people lost their lives due to

based system means that some measure of probability and

avalanche incidents. In response to these tragedies, the New Zealand

consequence has been considered in the process. In 2007, a group

SAR Secretariat hosted a workshop to look at the management and

of Canadian and American avalanche forecasters and researchers

co-ordination of search and rescue for avalanche incidents. The work-

began to work together to revise the Avalanche Danger Scale. Their

shop was held in Twizel over 1 - 2 June 2010. 48 highly experienced

first task was to clarify the terminology and definitions of avalanche

people attended the workshop. They represented a wide range of

hazard, danger and risk. They came up with the new structure

interested organisations including LandSAR, Mountain Safety

(below) and also applied images and numbers to each danger level.

Council, ski field operators, heliski operators, NZ Mountain Guides,

The same images are used throughout Europe, making this system

Police, DoC, NZ Transport Agency, St John and the Rescue

an international standard. The Snow and Avalanche Committee will

Coordination Centre. The workshop covered a wide range of related

discuss the possible adoption of this system, in New Zealand, at

topics including: Avalanche SAR case studies, Coordinated Incident

their next meeting.

avalanche SAR, electronic aids and new technology to assist SAR individual training & standards, and avalanche rescue team training and exercising. The workshop culminated with an in depth look at pre-plans for avalanche SAR. The workshop proved to be a great success both in terms of acquiring and sharing knowledge but also in developing a common understanding about planning for and delivering an effective search and rescue response to avalanche SAR incidents. It also provided a good networking opportunity for the at-

35, 70 &100cm Folding Snow Saws

Snow study kits, Crystal Cards, Digital Thermometers and more.....

know before you go!

Management System for avalanche SAR, risk management during avalanche SAR, avalanche SAR communications, avalanche

Pocket Snow Density Gauges

“A ton of work went into that thing, including consulting with many dozens

The Fine Line DVD - NEW!

of avalanche forecasters, researchers

16mm Avalanche Education Film 1 feature film plus 4 training films.

and risk communication experts. For such a simple looking scale, it has a lot

Avalanche Awareness in the New Zealand Backcountry - 2008

of research behind it.” – Grant Statham

Penny Goddard’s interesting and informative publication delving into

(IFMGA), Mountain Risk Specialist, Parks Canada

the science and awareness of the avalanche terrain across Aotearoa.

tendees most of whom have significant search and rescue respon-

Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain - 2008

sibilities relating to avalanche SAR incidents. The material from the

Technical skills, practical advice and common sense approaches to

workshop including the presentations and notes of the discussions

dealing with avalanches. By Bruce Tremper

are available online at: http://www.nzsar.org.nz in the Training and Workshops section.

Now Available at MSC online store: www.mountainsafety.org.nz

North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale

Avalanche danger is determined by the likelihood, size and distribution of avalanches.

5 Extreme 4 High

Likelihood of Avalanches

Avalanche Size and Distribution

Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Natural and humantriggered avalanches certain.

Large to very large avalanches in many areas.

Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

Natural avalanches likely; humantriggered avalanches very likely.

Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas.

Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

Natural avalanches possible; humantriggered avalanches likely.

Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas. Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas.

Travel Advice

Danger Level 4 5

4 5

3 Considerable

2 Moderate

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain Natural avalanches features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify unlikely; humanfeatures of concern. triggered avalanches possible.

1 Low

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Natural and humantriggered avalanches unlikely.

Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain.

Safe backcountry travel requires training and experience. You control your own risk by choosing where, when and how you travel.

38 CRYSTAL BALL 37 CRYSTAL BALL

NEW ZEALAND MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCIL

CRYSTAL 2010 BALL AVALANCHE MAGAZINE VOLUME 19

DISCOVER MORE, SAFELY

BCA Tracker avalanche transceiver training parks are open and available to all backcountry enthusiasts at five New Zealand resorts. Ask the ski patrol for details at Remarkables, Cardrona, Treble Cone, Porters or Craigieburn. NZ Distributor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BCA@Sportive.co.nz Ph 03 3489 725 Visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz

40 CRYSTAL BALL