Joel Gratz, founder of OpenSnow, shares his journey in providing tailored weather forecasts that enhance skiing experiences. William Sherman, originally from Colorado and now in Norway, discusses Safeback's SBX technology aimed at extending survival rates for avalanche victims. He highlights the importance of the first moments after burial and the system's research-backed effectiveness. Both guests stress that while technology can improve safety, sound judgment remains vital in the unpredictable backcountry.
Quick action in avalanche rescue is crucial, as many fatalities stem from asphyxiation and require immediate airway management.
The Safeback SBX system enhances survival chances by providing an active air supply from the surrounding snowpack during avalanches.
Balancing technological advancements with fundamental avalanche training and decision-making skills is essential to ensure safety in the backcountry.
Deep dives
The Importance of Timeliness in Avalanche Rescue
Quick action in avalanche rescue is crucial, as the survival window for buried individuals is extremely limited. Research indicates that approximately 75% of avalanche fatalities result from asphyxiation, making timely airway management essential. During the first 10 to 15 minutes, rescuers must ensure that the victim's airways are clear to maximize their chances of survival. This urgency drives the development of advancements in avalanche safety technology and response techniques.
Innovative Technology from Safeback
Safeback has introduced the SBX, an active air supply system designed to extend the survival window of individuals buried in avalanches. This technology allows users to breathe in air drawn from the surrounding snowpack, potentially prolonging survival before traditional rescue efforts can commence. The SBX system not only serves recreational users but also aims to enhance safety protocols for professional guides and backcountry adventurers. By integrating this technology into everyday gear, Safeback strives to raise awareness and increase the likelihood of survival during avalanche scenarios.
OpenSnow: Revolutionizing Weather Forecasting for Skiers
OpenSnow offers a comprehensive weather information platform tailored specifically for skiers and snow sports enthusiasts. The service provides daily reports, 10-day forecasts, and specialized data such as forecasts for specific mountain locations, allowing users to plan their trips more effectively. By leveraging various forecasting models, OpenSnow delivers accurate and localized weather updates that help skiers anticipate powder conditions. The platform serves as a valuable resource, significantly reducing the need to sift through multiple tabs for weather-related information.
Safety and Decision-Making in Backcountry Travel
As technology in avalanche safety evolves, there is an ongoing conversation about the risks associated with over-reliance on equipment. Organizations and experts emphasize the necessity of maintaining solid avalanche training, decision-making skills, and backcountry safety practices. While innovations like the SBX system enhance survival rates in dire situations, they are not substitutes for well-established safety protocols. Understanding the limitations of any technology ensures that users remain grounded in fundamental safety practices rather than becoming overly reliant on advanced gear.
Personal Stories Driving the Mission
Personal experiences fuel the passion behind Safeback's mission to improve avalanche safety. The harrowing story of a friend’s tragic avalanche fatality serves as a pivotal reminder of the potential life-and-death consequences in the backcountry. This drives individuals like William Sherman to pursue innovative solutions that can enhance survival in avalanche conditions. By fostering awareness and providing tools that improve the safety of all users, the ultimate goal is to create a culture of responsibility and preventive decision-making in outdoor activities.
In this episode, we start the hour by chatting with Joel Gratz, head meteorologist and founder of OpenSnow. Joel tells us why he started OpenSnow and how it can help streamline your weather analysis process to help lead you to your deepest days in the resort or favorite backcountry location. I then sit down with William Sherman of Safeback. Will is originally from Colorado, but now lives in Norway where he works for Safeback. For the last 6 years, Safeback has been developing a product to help extend the avalanche survival curve for victims buried under the snow who have a patent airway. Will explains the thorough independent research that backs the efficacy of the Safeback SBX product, we discuss how it works and how it is integrated into backpacks and vests. He is transparent about the limitations of the system and recognizes that new technology simply can't take the place of conservative decision-making in an uncertain backcountry environment. We hope you enjoy the episode!
Music by Ketsa
https://www.safeback.no/articles/product-testing/eurac-research-conduct-independent-medical-trial-of-safeback-sbx
Support for this episode is provided by:
Wyssen Avalanche Control
Gordini USA
OpenSnow
Use code: avalanchepodcast at www.opensnow.com to receive 30% off an all access year subscription to OpenSnow.
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