Avalanche Safety Plan – What Are They and Why You Need One

In Canada, snow avalanches are a major hazard. They can reach speeds over 200 kilometers per hour, run out hundreds of meters into valleys, and destroy forests and buildings. Each year, avalanches cause about 11 deaths and cost over CAD $5 million.

Avalanches have caused over 900 deaths in Canada since 1782. Many of these happened at workplaces. Avalanches are a risk in most parts of Canada, especially in British Columbia, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador. They are the top land-based natural hazard killer. In Quebec, they are the second leading cause.

Figure 1: Fatal avalanche accidents from 1782 to 2007 and avalanche activity zones in Canada. Symbol size represents the number of fatalities for each accident (from Campbell et al., 2007).

To understand an Avalanche Safety Plan (ASP), you need to know how avalanche risks are managed. An ASP explains short-term steps to handle avalanche risks at work. It is based on a risk assessment that finds and studies risks to workers. Long-term measures to avoid, remove, or protect from risks are first considered. Residual risk is then managed by an ASP.

In Canada, ASPs are prepared by registered Avalanche Professionals members of the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA). These workers are deemed competent by the CAA through a rigorous membership process. An avalanche professional will understand all the necessary work required, risks, and measures needed to handle any residual uncertainty.

ASPs include daily forecasting, access restrictions, safety training, active control, and oversight to reduce the likelihood of an avalanche incident. However, in the unlikely event of an incident, quick rescue is crucial. ASPs ensure workers are trained for such emergencies. Avalanche burial victims have over an 80% chance of survival if dug out within 15 minutes. ASPs include emergency plans for quick and effective action. This includes clear search and rescue steps to prevent injury or death. Regular training gives workers the skills needed for emergencies. By focusing on these safety measures, an ASP creates a culture of safety and readiness.

Short-term measures in an ASP should match an operation’s risk acceptance and tolerance for closures. They ensure necessary work is done while keeping safety standards. This means that large operations may need full-time avalanche forecasting and control. Operations with occasional risks can use policies to restrict access during high-risk times. Some operations may prefer a scalable ASP that adapts to the level of activity. At Alpine Solutions, we have created many ASPs, from simple seasonal closures to full-scale control programs.

Road Closure During Elevated Hazard

If there is avalanche risk, there is a legal duty to assess and manage it. BC has strong regulations for avalanche risk. The BC Workers Compensation Act and the Mines Health, Safety, and Reclamation Code require risk assessments and ASPs if workers are exposed to avalanche risk. Similar Occupational Health and Safety regulations exist in the Yukon for forestry operations.

Elsewhere in Canada, the Canada Labour Code requires employers to develop and monitor a program for preventing workplace hazards, including avalanches.

To find out if you need an ASP, check for avalanche risk. If there are no records or historical accounts of avalanches affecting your operation, look for signs of past avalanche activity. Signs can be visible from damage to the trees and vegetation. Other assessment requires analysis of terrain and climate data. If unsure, consult an Avalanche Professional.

Avalanche Activity on Work Site