David McClung and Peter Schaerer have distilled decades of experience studying avalanches into The Avalanche Handbook. In this fully revised edition, they present all the latest information, techniques, and research on understanding and surviving avalanches. The extensive text covers all the fundamental concepts, from the formation and control of avalanches to traveling safely and rescue methods. With more than 50 updated illustrations, photographs, and examples, this guide is an essential reference for backcountry travelers everywhere.
- Enhanced sections on the character and effects of avalanches, snow formation, snowpack analysis and more
- Current search and rescue techniques, including use of multiple transceivers
- New chapters on the elements of avalanche forecasting, and backcountry forecasting and the decision-making process, including human factors
- Updated information on snow slab instability, terrain variables, skier triggering of avalanches, and the nature of avalanche motion
***This book is a great resource and starting point for backcountry travel, but Cripple Creek recommends taking an AIARE Level 1 course and in-bounds practice on touring equipment before venturing out of bounds***