ELEVATE YOUR GAME: Tools from BCA for avalanche forecasting and courses
Do you want to analyze snow conditions on your trips and use data to estimate the likelihood of an avalanche? Then you should take a workshop on avalanche behavior and recognition. Many avalanche course providers require course participants to bring their own equipment. BCA has developed the tools in cooperation with the leading avalanche instructors in North America, so that everyone is able to acquire knowledge and assess the current situation at any time. The more reliable and measurement-based data you collect, the more reliable and confident your decision will be. Further, the more often you take a measurement, the more you will have some personal knowledge to recognize the different avalanche problems in the terrain. So taking a formal avalanche education and equipment training is highly recommended! We have the gear to go with it.
ELEVATE YOUR GAME: Tools from BCA for avalanche forecasting and courses Do you want to analyze snow conditions on your trips and use data to estimate the likelihood of an avalanche? Then you... learn more »
ELEVATE YOUR GAME: Tools from BCA for avalanche forecasting and courses
Do you want to analyze snow conditions on your trips and use data to estimate the likelihood of an avalanche? Then you should take a workshop on avalanche behavior and recognition. Many avalanche course providers require course participants to bring their own equipment. BCA has developed the tools in cooperation with the leading avalanche instructors in North America, so that everyone is able to acquire knowledge and assess the current situation at any time. The more reliable and measurement-based data you collect, the more reliable and confident your decision will be. Further, the more often you take a measurement, the more you will have some personal knowledge to recognize the different avalanche problems in the terrain. So taking a formal avalanche education and equipment training is highly recommended! We have the gear to go with it.
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Why avalanche equipment and gauges are useful
Local avalanche information and forecasting centers have experienced staff who can assess the avalanche danger for any given day through a wide range of measured avalanche information and personal experience. To enable you to familiarize yourself with the day's avalanche chances, BCA has developed training and avalanche measurement tools that provide you with the information you need to make a forecast. You need weather data such as snowfall, wind and temperature, the thickness of the snowpack, and many observations and reports regarding avalanche activity.
The information used to make a forecast includes:
Weather data (wind, temperature, snowfall)
Information about the snowpack
Observations of avalanche activity
Estimates from forecasters and recent reports from recreational skiers
You need to gather as much of this information as possible in order to make a meaningful forecast that you, as a tourer, can rely on when planning tours. Although forecasts are based on scientific knowledge, measurements and observations and are generally reliable, they are not a 100% guarantee of actual conditions throughout the forecast area. This is because the complexity of snow and terrain should not be underestimated. That's why BCA has designed its tools to be as compact as possible, so that a measurement can be taken quickly and easily almost anywhere.
Avalanche forecasting: what information do I need?
Forecast centers today provide a range of forecasting tools for beginners and advanced users. These are usually provided in a tier system as follows:
Level 1 Information:
Generalized avalanche danger by forecast zone (danger scale)
Warnings and notes on daily conditions and safety risks
Observations of the current situation
Level 2 Information:
Basic hazard assessment by elevation and orientation for each forecast zone
Analysis by avalanche problem including:
Elevation and location
Probability
Extent (consequence)
Distribution
Trend
Narrative summary of current conditions, recent avalanche activity, and weather
Level 3 Information:
Detailed data and observations from meteorologists on the snow pit
Detailed weather information as well as from remote weather stations
List of avalanche observations
List of general observations
Photos and videos, if necessary also live transmission
Maps
With these devices you collect your information about snow and conditions
BCA Slope Meter
Equipped with a slope meter and a built-in compass, you can measure the slope angle and the slope inclination. The slope angle provides information on whether a hand is too steep and possibly at risk of avalanches. The scale on the device highlights the angles with the highest avalanche probability. The BCA Slope Meter's uncomplicated operation and quick readiness for use are essential for a safe backcountry experience.
Analog Snow and Air Thermometer
Backcountry Access' analog thermometer is another valuable tool for snow safety. The thermometer serves to measure the temperature gradient of the snowpack. A measurement of snow and air temperature provides information about avalanche probability.
Snow crystal map for snowpack analysis
The BCA polycarbonate crystal map provides a surface for analysis/classification of snow grains. Snow crystals placed on the map become recognizable and larger. With this tool you can estimate the grain size of the snow and draw conclusions about avalanche danger.
Snow saw
The Backcountry Access 35 cm saw not only cuts snow and ice, but also wood and is used to isolate snow columns for stability tests. The blade is equipped with a protective sheath so it won't crack or scratch your equipment. Markings every 5 cm on the blade ensure a precise cut. The 35 cm saw is a BCA tool required for digging pits and is required in most avalanche courses.
Magnifying glass for snow grain analysis
You can also use the 15x magnifying glass to analyze snow crystals. The magnifier provides 15 times more detail than the map, so you can draw even more accurate conclusions about your snowpack
Logbook and Guide
The AIARE Backcountry Decision-Making Guide was developed by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) and meets the standards of the American Avalanche Association (AAA). It is an essential resource for aspiring avalanche professionals and students. The guide, , includes the AIARE communication checklist, decision frameworks, and observation reference. The booklet is especially helpful for recording trip plans, field observations, and snow profiles. Use this to collect your data to make informed decisions in the field in the future. The pages are waterproof, so you can collect data even on the wettest days.
How to read an avalanche forecast
The North American Pulic Avalanche Danger Scale
The information in an avalanche forecast is now used to place you on the North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale. Very important when reading this scale: Danger Level 3 is the most dangerous level! Why this is so Although the rating is in the middle of the scale, it is actually the highest hazard rating because anything above that is just too dangerous. HEAVY (Considerable) means that human-triggered avalanches are the most likely! Only experienced and trained recreationists should be out in the terrain at this danger level, using their gauges to analyze how the snow might behave. However, the options for reducing the risk are severely limited here.
Avalanche forecast for tour planning
If you are able to collect and evaluate avalanche information, you should start planning a trip with your group. Here you can gather all the information, compare historical values and get weather information to plan a wonderful trip with the lowest possible avalanche risk. How to plan a trip in the best way and pay attention to all avalanche warnings you can see here:
Local avalanche information and forecasting centers have experienced staff who can assess the avalanche danger for any given day through a wide range of measured avalanche information and personal experience. To enable you to familiarize yourself with the day's avalanche chances, BCA has developed training and avalanche measurement tools that provide you with the information you need to make a forecast. You need weather data such as snowfall, wind and temperature, the thickness of the snowpack, and many observations and reports regarding avalanche activity.
The information used to make a forecast includes:
Weather data (wind, temperature, snowfall)
Information about the snowpack
Observations of avalanche activity
Estimates from forecasters and recent reports from recreational skiers
You need to gather as much of this information as possible in order to make a meaningful forecast that you, as a tourer, can rely on when planning tours. Although forecasts are based on scientific knowledge, measurements and observations and are generally reliable, they are not a 100% guarantee of actual conditions throughout the forecast area. This is because the complexity of snow and terrain should not be underestimated. That's why BCA has designed its tools to be as compact as possible, so that a measurement can be taken quickly and easily almost anywhere.
Avalanche forecasting: what information do I need?
Forecast centers today provide a range of forecasting tools for beginners and advanced users. These are usually provided in a tier system as follows:
Level 1 Information:
Generalized avalanche danger by forecast zone (danger scale)
Warnings and notes on daily conditions and safety risks
Observations of the current situation
Level 2 Information:
Basic hazard assessment by elevation and orientation for each forecast zone
Analysis by avalanche problem including:
Elevation and location
Probability
Extent (consequence)
Distribution
Trend
Narrative summary of current conditions, recent avalanche activity, and weather
Level 3 Information:
Detailed data and observations from meteorologists on the snow pit
Detailed weather information as well as from remote weather stations
List of avalanche observations
List of general observations
Photos and videos, if necessary also live transmission
Maps
With these devices you collect your information about snow and conditions
BCA Slope Meter
Equipped with a slope meter and a built-in compass, you can measure the slope angle and the slope inclination. The slope angle provides information on whether a hand is too steep and possibly at risk of avalanches. The scale on the device highlights the angles with the highest avalanche probability. The BCA Slope Meter's uncomplicated operation and quick readiness for use are essential for a safe backcountry experience.
Analog Snow and Air Thermometer
Backcountry Access' analog thermometer is another valuable tool for snow safety. The thermometer serves to measure the temperature gradient of the snowpack. A measurement of snow and air temperature provides information about avalanche probability.
Snow crystal map for snowpack analysis
The BCA polycarbonate crystal map provides a surface for analysis/classification of snow grains. Snow crystals placed on the map become recognizable and larger. With this tool you can estimate the grain size of the snow and draw conclusions about avalanche danger.
Snow saw
The Backcountry Access 35 cm saw not only cuts snow and ice, but also wood and is used to isolate snow columns for stability tests. The blade is equipped with a protective sheath so it won't crack or scratch your equipment. Markings every 5 cm on the blade ensure a precise cut. The 35 cm saw is a BCA tool required for digging pits and is required in most avalanche courses.
Magnifying glass for snow grain analysis
You can also use the 15x magnifying glass to analyze snow crystals. The magnifier provides 15 times more detail than the map, so you can draw even more accurate conclusions about your snowpack
Logbook and Guide
The AIARE Backcountry Decision-Making Guide was developed by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) and meets the standards of the American Avalanche Association (AAA). It is an essential resource for aspiring avalanche professionals and students. The guide, , includes the AIARE communication checklist, decision frameworks, and observation reference. The booklet is especially helpful for recording trip plans, field observations, and snow profiles. Use this to collect your data to make informed decisions in the field in the future. The pages are waterproof, so you can collect data even on the wettest days.
How to read an avalanche forecast
The North American Pulic Avalanche Danger Scale
The information in an avalanche forecast is now used to place you on the North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale. Very important when reading this scale: Danger Level 3 is the most dangerous level! Why this is so Although the rating is in the middle of the scale, it is actually the highest hazard rating because anything above that is just too dangerous. HEAVY (Considerable) means that human-triggered avalanches are the most likely! Only experienced and trained recreationists should be out in the terrain at this danger level, using their gauges to analyze how the snow might behave. However, the options for reducing the risk are severely limited here.
Avalanche forecast for tour planning
If you are able to collect and evaluate avalanche information, you should start planning a trip with your group. Here you can gather all the information, compare historical values and get weather information to plan a wonderful trip with the lowest possible avalanche risk. How to plan a trip in the best way and pay attention to all avalanche warnings you can see here:
