Across North America, the snowpack is proving touchy. As January opens up, it remains a time to be cautious and vigilant in the backcountry.

Make the most of the time and resources you invest in avalanche education. Hone your basic backcountry skiing skills and fitness level, and prep your brain for the information download before taking that introductory avalanche class.

When it comes to traveling in avalanche terrain when the weather is extremely cold, things get a little more complicated and we need to weigh certain steps of our daily process more heavily. Here’s some advice to keep it safe in extreme cold from Avalanche Canada.

Avalanches and alpha angles are worth considering when deciphering how far a potential avalanche will run. With this introduction to alpha angles from Lou Dawson, we become more avalanche aware. Be safe.

Prepare for the unexpected in the backcountry with systematic practice. Avalanche rescue skills are critical to being a competent partner, but are a reactive approach to safety. It is more important to take a proactive approach to managing your safety in the backcountry. Get educated, stay safe, and know how to effectively use your tools.

We learn early and often in avalanche education that slides are more likely to occur on slope angles of greater than 30 degrees. We know this as the 30-degree threshold. Here’s some backstory on the good work of Ron Perla…