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Years ago when I was doing more backcountry skiing in areas
with some avalanche danger I used an avalanche cord (50 feet of red 1/2" nylon
cord) tied to my belt dragging behind me when crossing areas of risk. I never
read anything about their value then and haven't seen nor heard about their use
since. Does anyone know if they offer much value? I can't imagine that the
boarders and others are all out their buying $300 transceivers. Short of a
transceiver or an avalung, are cords worth anything?
--Karl
An avalanche cords works! You pull it behind, deployed only when you need it.
You can't pull it out of your pocket in a wad as you start to avalanche away. It
will stay in a wad of cord and markers. (The markers show the direction to the
entombed person). The light red cord is designed to "float" to the top.
That being said, unless you are willing to risk death for a ride (as many are today) avalanche avoidance is the way to go. The red cord and today's expensive gadgets may provide just the excuse a group needs to just do it.
This psychology is recognized in several articles.
Read about Avalanche Avoidance and the added risk of using expensive gadgets and
gear (sorry, sales folk) at
http://www.traditionalmountaineering.org/Faq_Avalanches.htm
--trad_guy
PS: I forgot to mention that the avalanche cord is not 1/2 inch line, it is
braided light nylon utility line (like parachute cord).
From Trailspace.com -
http://www.trailspace.com/climbing/messages/31768.html
Also read . . .
Maps of winter trails
What should I know about the new
snowshoe trails?
Snowshoes
keeping up with the times
What are technical snowshoes?
Avalanche training courses -
understanding avalanche risk
What can I observe about avalanche risk
on specific slopes?
How do I avoid
avalanches?
Tumalo
Mountain a wintertime treat
A map of know avalanche areas near Bend, Oregon
What should I
know about climbing Mt. Hood?
Broken
Top winter ascent
Basic Responsibilities
Ten Essentials
