My avalanche safety philosophy basically comes down to, "DON'T GO WHERE THERE MIGHT BE AN AVALANCHE!" Pretty simple, really. That being said, it's always good to expand your mind by learning new things. You know, like what causes avalanches, how to test for them, and what to do if there is an avalanche.

Since the boy's not going anywhere without me for the time being, we're taking it slow. This trip included exactly 0.5% avalanche danger and that was only because theoretically it's always possible if there's a slope and snow. (In reality, it would have taken a catastrophic event to threaten us.) For most of our adventure, the snow was solid as a rock and there were plenty of anchors. A perfect opportunity to learn.

We both wore avalanche transceivers and we did a little bit of training with them. Mostly just getting familiar with how they work and the theory. (More practical training will take place after the ski areas close and we can use the practice course.)

We both also carried shovels and probes. I think he was stoked to be carrying the fancy new Ortovox shovel and probe. Even more so because he could convert the shovel to a makeshift ice axe with the Pocket Spike kit. We generally use probes for SCIENCE! observations (and did on this trip, too) so they're familiar. The shovels are only used when we dig snow caves (or try) and when clearing snow at home.

This time, the boy was randomly digging a hole so we took the opportunity to look at the different layers in the snow. He was fascinated by the interfaces and how easily the layers separated with just a little force. We talked about how that could lead to a slab avalanche.

It was a good time in the mountains and a great opportunity to start his snow safety lessons. Unfortunately, I dropped out of snow safety school and only have a little unofficial learning under my belt. He's going to need someone who can teach him well (and maybe I'll learn along with him). I wonder who might be able to provide that education...

📍 On the lands of the Snoqualmie people.