OCR Text |
Show Protective action will take the form of one or more of the folloxtfing, either simultaneously or in progressive steps* (l) Close highway to traffic and snow removal by agreement with Road Foreman and Highway Patrolman if the latter is available. (2) Closd highway to public travel but agree on partial snow removal. (3) Place highway traffic on limited basis under convoy only, if proper traffic officers ar& available, (k) Close certain intermittently hazardous slopes and runs* (5) Close all skiing and shut down lifts. (6) Restrict touring to safe trails. (7) Touring completely closed, (g) Warn touring parties as to most likely danger areas to avoid. THE ALTA SNOW STUDIES ANNEX B. AVALANCHE RESCUE OPERATIONS If a skier is buried in an avalanche, prompt and organized rescue operations are the only hope of getting the Victim out alive. There are records of persons who lived as long as 12 hours while buried. Ordinarily, they are either killed instantly or die within a short period from exposure, shock and suffocation. In the 19^6 avalanche accident at Alta, the victim was dug out within an hour and a half. Observation on the ground indicates that he would have been dead in a few more minutes. In the 19^8 Colorado avalanche accidents investigators indicated that at least two of the three victims died 6f suffocation and exposure. Avalanche rescue operations are divided into two phases! and follow up. Immediate action Immediate action 1. The area administrator takes charge of rescue operations, sounds general warning, does not hesitate to requisition any needed equipment or call for volunteers. All ski patrolmen and experienced skiers are ordered to report to a central location. 2. Question the informant or eyewitness to get the exact location of the accident. Even if in poor physical condition, any eyewitnesses should return to the accident location with the first party to point out where the victim was last seen. This is extremely important. 3. Dispatch the first party. The administrator does not necessarily lead this party but it must be in command of a qualified ski mountaineer and first aid man. It consists of not less than three persons. Ten is a desirable number, large enough to do the necessary work and small enough to travel fast. k # The first party goes lightly equipped with whatever can be picked up at once. Speed is the first consideration. -52- |