New Year, Old Reminder
Photo taken by Todd Ganie at Big White Ski Resort
As we enter a new year, Big White Ski Resort has an old reminder: stay clear of tree wells. With over 60 centimetres of snow falling in the past week, and more in the forecast these snow traps are becoming increasingly deceptive and dangerous.
Tree wells are formed when low branches at the base of coniferous trees stop the snow from compacting and settling around the trunk. To make things worse, it is nearly impossible to tell how deep the depression is, as the low lying branches of the tree block the sight.
“Always ski or ride with a buddy, and remain in visual contact with each other. If that fails, stop and call out,” says Kris Hawryluik, head of Ski Patrol at Big White Ski Resort.
The simplest way to prevent a tree well catastrophe is to stick to marked, groomed runs. If you do go into treed, ungroomed areas, give the tree wells a wide berth. Always carry safety equipment with you, including a cell phone with the Big White’s ski patrol number (250-491-6160) and a whistle.
If you do fall into a tree well, do whatever you can to keep your head above the surface of the snow, and if possible, keep your feet below the level of your head. Yell or use your whistle to get your partner’s or nearby riders’ attention. Stay calm and resist the urge to struggle—this will conserve energy. Finally, trust that someone is looking for you.
If your partner falls into a tree well, don’t leave to get help. Stay with him or her, and use your cell phone to call for help. If you don’t have a cell phone, use your whistle to alert others. Evaluate the scene for your own safety, then immediately begin clearing snow from the airway. Do not pull the victim out the way they fell in—instead, begin tunnelling in the direction of their head. Be careful not to knock more snow into the hole.
For more tips and tricks on how to deal with tree wells, head to www.deepsnowsafety.org
