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

July 15, 2024 By Alpine Solutions

Avalanche Hazard and Occurrence in Canada

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.

Avalanche Hazard Canada

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).

What Are Avalanche Safety Plans (ASPs)? 

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.

Hierarchy of Avalanche Risk Mitigation Measures 

 

Hierarchy of Controls Avalanche Mitigation

 

Short-term Measures 

Short-term avalanche measures in an ASP are applied seasonally or based on changes in snow and weather. These measures can include seasonal closures, restricted access during high avalanche risk, and using explosives to reduce hazard. These measures rely on accurate avalanche forecasting.

Components for and Effective Avalanche Safety Plan 

An ASP outlines steps to reduce avalanche risk to workers. All ASPs include key information needed for an avalanche safety program:

  • An organizational chart with roles and responsibilities.
  • Project location and avalanche terrain description.
  • Weather and climate characteristics relevant to avalanche hazard.
  • Details on avalanche safety training requirements.
  • Avalanche hazard mapping and details on individual avalanche paths.
  • Operational procedures specific to avalanche safety.
  • Infrastructure and equipment requirements such as avalanche PPE signage and communications equipment.
  • An emergency response plan that includes avalanche rescue procedures.

Who Designs the 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.

Avalanche Snow Science
Avalanche Forecaster Performing Snow Stability Analysis

ASPs Enhance Worker Safety 

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.

Avalanche Snow Science
Avalanche Rescue Training

The Avalanche Safety Plan Scales to Your Operation 

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.

Avalanche Road Closure

Road Closure During Elevated Hazard

Are There Legal Requirements? 

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.

Does My Operation Need an ASP? 

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 on RoadAvalanche Activity on Work Site

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