Note Travel should be limited to areas free of hazards.
a. DO NOT travel in--
(1) Blizzards.
(2) Bitterly cold winds.
(3) Poor visibility.
b. Obstacles to winter travel follow:
(1) Reduced daylight hours (BE AWARE).
(2) Deep soft snow (if movement is necessary, make snowshoes [Figure II-10]). Travel is easier in early morning or late afternoon near dusk when snow is frozen or crusted.
Figure II-10. Improvised Snowshoes
(3) Avalanche prone areas to avoid:
[a] - Slopes 30-45 degrees or greater.
[b] - Trees without uphill branches (identifies prior avalanches).
[c] - Heavy snow loading on ridge tops.
(4) If caught in an avalanche, do the following:
[a] - Backstroke to decrease burial depth.
[b] - Move hand around face to create air pocket as moving snow slows.
(5) Frozen water crossings.
[a] - Weak ice should be expected where— Rivers are straight, Objects protrude through ice, Snow banks extend over the ice, Rivers or streams come together, Water vapor rising indicates open or warm areas.
[b] - Air pockets form when a frozen river loses volume.
[c] - When crossing frozen water, distribute your weight by laying flat, belly crawling, or using snowshoes.
c. Glacier travel is hazardous and should be avoided.
|
