When you’re skiing in the backcountry, will your avalanche transceiver still work properly if you carry your cellphone next to it?
Will carrying a VHS radio interfere with your transceiver signal?
Is there truth to any claims that an iPhone app can enable your phone to replace an avalanche transceiver?
Anyone looking for answers to those and other questions about the value of various safety devices, trends and practices for travelling in backcountry wilderness and avalanche terrain will want to participate in a presentation by IFMGA/ACMG mountain guide Jeremy Mackenzie taking place on Tuesday (Nov. 24) at the Royal Canadian Legion in Canmore, beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to all.
Hosted by the Alpine Club of Canada’s Rocky Mountain Section, Mackenzie’s talk is titled Avalanche Awareness: Advances in Techniques and Technology.
As head of safety operations for Kananaskis Country, Mackenzie said the topic is important as recreationists head out for their first ski turns and ice climbs of season.
“This is definitely timely, given the season,” Mackenzie said.
In addition to sharing information and news about backcountry safety devices and tools such as avalanche airbags, the latest transceiver technology, RECCO reflectors, specialized avalanche probes and mobile phone apps, Mackenzie said he also planned to talk about medical considerations specific to avalanche rescues.
A Kananaskis Country public safety specialist since 2009, Mackenzie has many more years’ experience guiding clients on alpine adventures in summer and winter, including climbing, ski mountaineering and heli-skiing activities.
As a rescue and wilderness travel professional, however, he pointed out that staying on top of the newest practices and devices is just one component of safe adventures in the backcountry. While the rescue skills and capabilities of the professionals in Kananaskis Country and the Rockies’ national parks are truly world-class, everyone heading into the backcountry should be aware how misinformation regarding the capabilities and limitations of technology can lead to serious accidents.
Awareness of such topics is essential to helping keep people from needing rescue services in the first place, making learning and practicing safe travel and rescue techniques essential.
“I plan to discuss advancements in technology in the backcountry avalanche industry, including medical aspects of avalanche rescue,” Mackenzie said. “But while technological advancements can bring incredible advantages to backcountry users, there are important limitations to weigh as well. The value of on-going training and experience cannot be understated.”
