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We tell you about the dangers of avalanches.
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Philip and his friends are planning a ski trip, but they also want to get away from the groomed pistes and have some fun off piste.
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However, Philip knows that in order to stay safe they need to pay attention to a couple of things.
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In winter, there is always the risk of a potential avalanche.
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Which means some careful planning work for Philip.
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He finds out about the current avalanche conditions and the weather in their ski region.
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He also thinks about who is going on the trip.
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Are they all fit enough? Are they experienced? And do they have the right equipment?
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Last but not least, he also researches their exact route.
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The latest avalanche conditions can be found by Philip at www dot avalanche dot org.
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There are five levels on the avalanche danger scale.
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Level one indicates a low risk of avalanches.
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Level two indicates moderate danger.
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And level three represents considerable danger.
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At level four, the danger of avalanches is considered high, and there is an extreme risk at level five.
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But what does that mean?
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There are a few rules of thumb you can follow.
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If there is a moderate danger level, you should stay in terrain less than forty degrees. This is extremely steep usually rocky terrain.
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At level three, you should avoid terrain that is steeper than thirty degrees. Any angle greater than this is classed as a steep slope.
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If the danger of avalanches is rated as high, then you should stay on secured slopes.
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If the danger is rated as extreme, you should spend the day in the sauna instead.
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Philip knows that even in level one conditions, he still needs to pay attention to local dangers.
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These can include critical amounts of new snow, fresh snow drifts, thoroughly moist snow and unstable old snowpacks.
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In addition to this, fresh avalanches, collapsing sounds, and cracks in the snowpack can indicate potential risks.
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The first preparations have been made, but even right before they set out, there are still several things they need to think of.
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Before the tour, everyone checks their kit and takes some emergency equipment with them.
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They also test that their avalanche search devices otherwise known as avalanche transceivers are working properly.
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In the event of an accident, these can make the difference between life and death.
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Philip makes sure that everyone knows the route and the position of a safe meeting point.
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He also reminds everyone to make sure they always keep a safe distance between each other.
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Thanks to their great preparation work, they are ready to go skiing.