Detail Your Terrain Plan
STEP 3: DETAIL YOUR TERRAIN PLAN.
ACKNOWLEDGE CONSEQUENCES.
HAVE AN ALTERNATIVE PLAN.
After you have discussed viable options and set limits on exposure, the next step is to detail a plan. The steps in this checklist direct the group to focus specifically on avalanche terrain that affects the proposed route, acknowledge the consequences of avalanches and other hazards in the terrain, and define alternative plans that can be activated in the field to effectively reduce risk.
Agree upon and document today’s route through the terrain.
Use consensus within your group to choose the route for the day. Discuss and acknowledge the consequences of the terrain your group will be exposed to throughout the ride. Document your plans for reference in the field and for discussion when you review the day.
Define slopes or areas you plan to avoid.
Use maps and other tools to note hazardous slopes along your route. When applicable, use the names of known avalanche paths and features. Agree as a group and document the slopes, features, and descriptions of terrain you plan to avoid. You will use these notes throughout the day to identify avalanche terrain and manage your group.
Note where you plan to stop, check in with the group, and reassess your plan.
Use maps and other tools to plan key vantage points and route finding points along your planned route. Identify and record points and times where your group will plan to check in to reassess your plan.
Discuss the precautions and backcountry travel protocols you will apply to your terrain choices.
Specific tactics are explained further in Chapter 3, RIDE SAFELY. Discuss these tactics (such as crossing paths one-at-a-time and where to spot from) your group will use to reduce risk while on your ride. Record your tactics for reference in the field. Effective use of any backcountry travel protocol is based on matching your group’s terrain use strategy to type of avalanche problems present in terrain. Carefully consider the effectiveness of your proposed travel protocols.
Identify a realistic less exposed alternative route, as conditions may turn out to be different than you think.
Use maps and other tools to identify options for changing your plans that will reduce exposure. Your group will use these documented alternatives to create a solution for uncertain situations when they arise in the field.
Note your turn around point and time.
Confirm with the members of your group when everyone needs to return. Consider fuel and daylight constraints in your plan.
