Whether you're a backcountry skier, hiker, sledder, or snowshoer, knowing the risks and preparing for them are vital to winter safety.
Stay safe in the snow and cold, on the road, and around power lines
As you head out into the backcountry this winter, whether skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, or snowmobiling, safety should always come first. One important thing to keep in mind is that any downed, damaged, or low-hanging power line should be treated as live and dangerous, even if it's not sparking or making a sound. Low-hanging lines can be especially deceptive because they're often still attached to poles. It may be easy to assume they're safe, but they're not. These lines can still be energized and dangerously close to people or equipment. Always stay well back, a minimum of a 10-metre distance, and report the hazard by calling 9-1-1.
This isn't just a theoretical risk. Last February, about a 90-minute drive north of Kamloops, a member of the public reported a low-hanging power line in a forested area near Clearwater. A wooden distribution pole had cracked, allowing the attached line to fall within a metre of the snow-covered ground. Tragically, they also found a dead deer that had been electrocuted, most likely after wandering too close to the line.
Although we patrol/survey regularly, it's possible especially considering how remote parts of our province are that you may come across a hazard like a low-hanging or downed line before it's fixed. So, awareness and caution is very important for anyone enjoying the backcountry.
To stay safe, always keep at least 10 metres (about the length of a school bus) away from any downed or low-hanging power line. When a line touches the ground, electricity can spread outward in all directions, creating a highly charged area that gradually fades at around 10 metres. Walking within that range is dangerous, as electricity can travel through the ground and cause an electric shock. A low-hanging line could also be energized, and electricity may arc through the air if conductive materials or people come closer than the 10-metre safe distance.
Here are some other important safety considerations to keep in mind when exploring the backcountry this winter. Please remember, a well planned B.C. adventure is very different than skiing out of bounds at a resort without the appropriate gear and planning.
1. Plan ahead, know your skills, and prepare for the worst
Winter weather requires careful preparation, especially if you're visiting a mountainous or remote area. Make sure your plans are within the limits of the skills and experience of everyone in your group. Plan your trip carefully, check the weather, avalanche alerts, and trail conditions before you go. And don't forget to pack the essentials for safety, nutrition and emergencies.
Our Senior Vice-President, Matt Wilson, is also an avid snowmobile enthusiast and is on the board of directors at a snowmobile club in Whistler. "When we're rushing, frustrated, tired or complacent, we're at a higher risk of making mistakes and getting injured. We've all come across unforeseen circumstances – whether it’s weather or another situation we couldn't have anticipated – and this is why having a solid plan and being prepared is so important."
2. Tell someone exactly where you're going, and when you plan to return
Telling a friend that you're going for a hike, back country ski, snowshoe or snowmobile trip isn't enough. Make an AdventureSmart trip plan and leave it with someone you can trust.
3. Even on short hikes, pack the essentials, wear the right gear
If the snow is deeper, opt for the traction and ease of snowshoes. And even on winter hikes over popular trails, pack for safety, nutrition, traction, darkness and emergencies.
Micro spikes or crampons that attach to the bottom of the boot can be essential for steep or icy sections. And make sure your boots are waterproof and warm enough – no one enjoys cold wet feet.
See Destination Vancouver's excellent 10 tips for safe winter hiking in Vancouver
4. Stay warm, watch for hypothermia and remember the acronym COLD
Winter conditions can be harsh, and it's important to know the signs of hypothermia: constant shivering, confusion, poor decision making (like trying to remove warm clothes), drowsiness, and shallow breathing. Recognizing these early can make a critical difference.
One helpful way to stay safe in cold weather is to remember the acronym COLD:
Cover: Wear a neck gaiter, hat or toque, mittens or gloves, and even a balaclava if needed; wearing a scarf isn't always the appropriate choice as the ends can loosen up and get caught, especially in faster-moving winter sports.
Overexertion: Avoid activities that will make you sweat a great deal. The combination of sweaty clothing and cold weather can cause you to lose body heat more quickly.
Layers: Wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Wool and silk are great choices, and your outer layer should be tightly woven and water-repellent to protect against wind.
Dry: Get out of wet clothing as soon as possible. Be especially careful to keep your hands and feet dry as it's easy for snow to get into mittens and boots.
Get more cold-weather tips from the Canadian Red Cross.
5. Carry navigation equipment and a signaling devices like a whistle
Bring a fully charged cellphone, GPS, compass, or personal locator beacon. Carry a whistle or other signaling device so that searchers can find you even if they cannot see you.
6. Wear bright clothing and bring a big orange plastic bag
We got this great tip from one of our team members who's a longtime volunteer and manager with North Shore Rescue. When in the back country, year-round, opt for bright coloured clothing and pack an orange plastic bag.
"I always have an orange plastic bag in my pack, because it's super useful," says Scott Merriman, specialist Engineer. "You can crawl into it to shelter from the weather, and it's a great way to signal to those who might be looking for you."
7. If you're driving, take steps to get there safely
Start with using the right tires. On highways in B.C. outside of southern Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, winter tires or chains are required between October 1 and April 30.
Check weather and highway conditions before you go, slow down, and avoid using cruise control on slippery roads.
Get more winter driving advice – including specific tips for driving electric vehicles – in our winter road trips and tips feature.
8. Snowmobilers need extra gear in the backcountry
Our team member Brian Ward loves that today's snowmobiles have the power to get you to far-flung places. He's well aware of hazards and especially well equipped when he heads out on longer trips into the backcountry. He's also been part of four rescue missions in support of snowmobilers caught in avalanches – three successful and one, tragically, that wasn't.
If he has one key message around snowmobile safety, it's to buy quality safety gear.
"I find that people buy a machine and then skimp out on the safety stuff," he says. "Many lack the basics like good riding gear that's going to keep you warm and keep the frostbite away, along with first aid kits, probes, shovels, beacons if you're going into the Alpine, an avalanche bag if you're getting more advanced, and GPS to find your way home."
"You need to be prepared to spend the night, and carry tool kits you can use to fix your machine. And you need a first aid kit. Without a good one, you can't stop bleeds or deal with broken bones. Be prepared, whether you're going a mile or 50 km into the woods."
Matt agrees with Brian's points and adds, "There are so many good options for GPS based emergency signalling devices. Inreach, BivyStick, Zoleo, etc. that there’s really no good reason not to carry one. If you're in a group, having a radio to stay in touch with your friends is also mandatory. I recommend using an avalanche (protection) airbag vest or pack that can help decrease burial depth and offers head and neck protection, but remember, there is no substitute for training and practice when it comes to staying safe in avalanche terrain."
9. If you sled through power line corridors, watch for guy wires
Low-hanging or downed power lines are dangerous. But so are the thick, non-energized guy wires used to ground and anchor transmission line poles and structures.
"These transmission corridors can run through the alpine and are nice, wide open areas with no large trees," says Brian. who works out of Dawson Creek as a distribution line manager. "What snowmobilers sometimes don't remember is the guy lines. They can be hard to see when you've got snow flying, or sun in your eyes or in dim light.
"You can run into these things, and they're very robust. You can damage your machine, or worse, take one to the chest or neck, injuring yourself quite badly. I've also seen people just come over a hill and hit a pole, too."
10. Is that ice thick enough? If you're not sure, don't go there
Skating on a frozen pond or lake can be a wonderful experience. Just don't take any chances on the safety of the ice you choose to skate on. And remember, never cross rivers or lakes with a snowmobile as there is a high danger of plunging under the ice and less traction on ice than on snow.
The Canadian Red Cross recommends checking ice thickness so that you're certain it's at least 15 cm thick if you're skating well clear of others, and 20 cm thick if you're skating in a group or playing hockey. Check the colour of the ice: clear blue is stronger ice, while opaque white or grey is a sign of weak and unsafe ice. And know that ice thickness is inconsistent, with the weakest in the centre of a pond or lake and along the edges of the water.
Never go alone, take care to supervise children and have rescue equipment such as a rope, pole or hockey stick on hand. Dress in layers and wear protective gear.
A few helpful winter recreation resources:
- Safe distance from downed power lines
- Motor vehicle accidents involving power lines
- Winter Safety (BC Parks)
- Safe winter driving (BC Forest Safety)
- Backcountry touring (AdventureSmart)
- RCMP avalanche and snowmobile safety reminders and info
- Safe snowmobiling (Canada Safety Council)
- How to support search and rescue while snowmobiling in B.C.