More than 37 percent of those surveyed said they saw or were somehow involved in an avalanche. Only about 25 percent, however, said they attended a snowmobile safety or avalanche safety awareness course in the past five years.
“I was surprised at the number of people who had close calls with avalanches, but haven’t attended an avalanche awareness class or started packing avalanche safety equipment,” said Ray Paige, FWP’s trails program specialist.
Even more surprisingly, when asked about safety strategies, only about half of the respondents said they seek avalanche information in advance of a ride. Ninety percent of the respondents, however, said they avoid known avalanche areas and many said they carry a shovel.
Training does pay off. Of the approximately 25 percent of riders who attended some type of safety training, 87 percent say the training changed their snowmobile habits for the better.
“Nearly 60 percent of those with training now carry an avalanche beacon or transceiver when riding,” Paige said.
Paige said an avalanche beacon and probe stick are two of the most important pieces of equipment a snowmobile rider can carry to ensure they survive an avalanche.
“Avoiding hazardous areas is a good strategy, but after losing 18 riders in the past two years in Montana, it is clear safety and survival skills are essential tools for riders,” Paige said.
Almost 40 percent of riders heard about a training course they attended from a snowmobile club or organization.
“Publicity is important, but the survey shows our partnerships with snowmobile clubs are something we need to strengthen and expand, too,” Paige said.
More than 80 percent of those responding to the survey rode snowmobiles in Montana the winter of 2002-2003, a year with an unusually high avalanche mortality rate. About 75 percent of those responding were male and 25 percent female.
For details on the survey, call 406-444-7317 or email:
rpaige@state.mt.us.
