Be safe crossing summer snowfields - VIDEO
With Spring now in full swing and Summer just around the corner, it’s that time of year when you have to start being concerned with snowfields in the alpine and how to safely cross them. With the right measures and equipment climbers and hikers can reduce the risk of falling on the hard frozen snow which often remains on steeper north-facing slopes. The risk of falling is often underestimated and can have dire consequences if the slope angle is steep enough to quickly send you cascading down the mountain.Many people overestimate the amount of friction the firm snow has and underestimate the potential acceleration in the event of a fall. Within 5 - 10 meters of sliding on a 30-40° slope with firm snow, you can easily get out of control and reach free-falling speed.
Lower angle slopes under 30° still carry a risk which few people are aware of. Even though these slopes do not look that steep at first glance the danger becomes being able to stop on the snow before it runs out and you crash into the rocks and ground at the terminus of the snowfield. This can have serious consequences and happen in the blink of an eye.
When and how to cross snow fields
Encountering a snow field requires you to pause and an assessment of the potential risk is necessary. Be considerate of the less sure-footed people in your group which also means providing support to children. If you decide to continue to cross the snowfield (after looking for another safer way around) be sure that the upper ten centimetres of the snow cover is soft and weakened so that you can easily kick footsteps into the snow. Mountain sports expert Michael Larcher suggests that “Good mountain boots are an absolute prerequisite here.”
A frequently observed error when crossing snowfields is leaning into the slope which is often caused by uncertainty and fear. A sturdy posture with your hips turned slightly inward and your body’s centre of gravity over your feet is essential. To support your body and improve balance, allow your arms to spread out a little or use trekking poles, which are even more effective.
A valuable piece of equipment to carry this time of the year are snow spikes or crampons, which significantly improve grip on snow and greatly reduce the risk of slipping. Snow spikes, unlike crampons, do not need crampon-compatible mountaineering boots and weigh around 250 grams so they are easy to bring along and can be pulled over your hiking boots easily and quickly when needed.
What to do if you slip
Anyone who slips and starts to slide on the snowfield must immediately try to slow their fall by any means possible. The longer you wait to self arrest your fall the higher your rate of speed becomes and the more difficult it is to stop. This is why it is crucial to be dressed appropriately, be prepared for a fall and react quickly as time is of the essence. To help arrest your fall and prevent your speed from building up quickly, turn onto your stomach and get into a push-up position. Your arms and legs should be spread out slightly and dig the toes of your boots into the snow and dig in with your hands at the same time. If you are not wearing gloves this may result in injury but it will be less than what could potentially happen if you do not arrest your slide. If you have a hiking pole, grasp it low down close to the sharp spike at the end and drive it into the snow with force. This will cut into the snow surface, save your hands from damage and should slow you much faster. Practicing this braking technique in safe terrain is important so that if you do fall and start to slide you are well practiced in stopping and limiting any potential danger.