Avalanche: As many CORE members will be participating in snowshoe and XC skiing activities during the winter months, we need to be aware of avalanche dangers when venturing into the back country or off trail. Several CORE volunteers have taken the Avalanche Awareness course offered by the Calgary Area Outdoor Council and these courses are ongoing. If you are an event coordinator or even a participant in a back country winter event, make yourself aware to avalanche hazards and conditions. Several links are posted on the CORE Resources page, but here are two excellent sites to reference when planning your winter trips into the mountains:
CSAC Canada for Avalanche Conditions
NSIDC Avalanche Awareness Site (Educational)
Bear: When recreating in bear country, your best strategy to avoid an encounter with a bear is to make lots of noise, stay in groups and be alert for signs of bears in the area. Diggings, scat, visible tracks and overturned logs and rocks, are all early warning signs that bears are around. In most cases, bears will do their best to avoid people. Most encounters happen because bears are surprised by people, or they are defending their cubs or a kill.
The following list is based on the Wildsmart site which has additional information.
- Always carrying bear spray and air horns.
- Traveling in groups whenever possible.
- Making lots of noise and being aware of your surroundings.
- Leaving wildlife corridors to wildlife and recreate elsewhere.
- Respecting all trail closures and warnings.
- Walking your dog on a leash unless in a designated off-leash area.
Lightning: The following Environment Canada link provides good tips on lightning safety.
Fitness:
Be sure to stay fit to help avoid injuries when indulging in outdoor activities.
- Hiking work outs (click to download)
General:
- Risk is inherent to any outdoor activity – understand these risks.
- Be prepared for all weather conditions and possible destination changes.
- Know and respect your limits and abilities.