Few people know that avalanches have killed more people in Newfoundland than any other
type of natural geological hazard. Avalanches have killed over 60 people in this province and injured
many others. With more and more people heading into the backcountry , particularly in
Western Newfoundland, the concern is that many snowmobilers, ski tourers, or
snowshoer
may not be aware of the avalanche hazard. In recent years there have been many close calls
in the Blow me Down Mountains, the Lewis Hills and in Gros Morne National
Park. To make people more aware Keith Nicol of the Environmental Studies
Dept is offering Avalanche Skills Training Courses (former RAC courses) through the Canadian Avalanche Assoc.
These courses are offered through Environmental Studies 2220 (winter outdoor
pursuits) and also as a stand alone 2 day course. Since 2004 at least
2 AST courses have been offered each year to students, skiers, snowboarders
and snowmobilers in Western Newfoundland. These courses have been sponsored
the Canadian Avalanche Foundation and by
Backcountry Access Inc. who supplied
new Tracker transceivers, probes and shovels and other equipment for
participants to use. Anyone wanting more information about these courses can
contact me at 709-639-1770 or at knicol@swgc.mun.ca.
