The Clock is Ticking - Molly Loomis

The Clock is Ticking

BY Molly Loomis

Rating ***

Molly Loomis’s article briefly goes over some of the tools necessary when going out in areas where an avalanche may occur. In addition she explains how to use these tools to rescue a person buried beneath snow in the aftermath of an avalanche.

She goes into depth on three different essential tools. The first being the beacon. As explained in the text It is one of the most important pieces of gear that you can carry. It allows you to be located under the by members of your group and rescuers, as well as locating others if the are trapped. The second tool that is covered is the probe pole. This tool comes into use when you have located the rough area of someone stuck under the snow. This article covers how to properly use this tool to pinpoint the location of a person under the snow. The last tool seen in this article is the shovel. It may seem basic but it is important to get a shovel that will not break on you in the field. When digging through the loose snow caused by an avalanche it is important to know how to do it properly so that you don’t waste energy digging out snow that keeps pouring into the hole.

I found this article very interesting. It is very important that anyone that is planing on going on or near a mountain to know how to survive an avalanche and how to help others in this situation. People should also remember to bring these pieces of gear no matter what season you are out in. If you go to high enough altitudes there will be snow even during the summer. Also an avalanche can make its way rather far down a mountain, so even if where you are is not under snow there is still a possibility of an avalanche reaching you. I will definitely be taking some extra gear with me next time I am at the mountain, and will feel confident in knowing how to use it.

Outside Online,. 'The Clock is Ticking'. Print Sept 19 2014. Web 20 Nov 2014.

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/outdoor-skills/survival/The-Clock-Is-Ticking.html