Avalanche safety

The avalanche danger varies throughout the winter and spring and can change quickly. Wind, fresh snow, temperature changes, rain and sun affect the snow cover, and conditions can differ from one mountainside to another.

The most important advice is simple: Always check the avalanche forecast and weather forecast before you set out on a trip, and adapt the trip to the conditions and your own expertise.

Check the avalanche forecast before the trip

Varsom.no is Norway's official service for warning of avalanches and other natural hazards. The Narvik region is located in the avalanche warning area of Ofoten.

The avalanche warning uses an international scale from danger level 1 – small to danger level 5 – very large. In addition to the degree of danger, the forecast describes the avalanche problems that exist, which heights and celestial directions are most exposed and how conditions are expected to develop.

It is important to read the entire warning, not just the number of the danger level.

A regional avalanche warning covers a large area. Local conditions may therefore be different from the general warning, and a low danger level does not mean that all mountainsides or hikes are safe.

What is avalanche terrain?

Avalanches can usually break loose in snow-covered terrain that is steeper than about 30 degrees.

But you don't have to stand on a steep mountainside to be exposed.

An avalanche can move far downwards from the area where it breaks loose and into what is called the outlet area. This means that gentler terrain, valley floors, ski slopes and roads below steep mountainsides can also be exposed.

When planning a trip, you must therefore consider both the terrain you will be moving in and the mountainsides above you.

Use maps to plan your trip

The Varsom app provides access to avalanche warnings, observations, weather information and maps that show potential avalanche terrain.

The maps can be a good aid when planning your trip, but they do not replace knowledge about terrain and avalanches.

If you are going into areas with poor mobile coverage, it may be a good idea to download the necessary maps in advance.

Do you lack avalanche expertise?

If you do not have the knowledge or experience to assess avalanche terrain, you should choose a tour without avalanche exposure or join a qualified guide.

A guide with local knowledge can help with the choice of trip, terrain and route based on current conditions. For more demanding mountain hikes and summit hikes, it is recommended to choose guides with relevant avalanche expertise and mountain professional education.

There are many ways to experience the winter mountains without moving in avalanche terrain. Choosing a safer option is also part of good decisions in the mountains.

Are you going on a summit trip or freeriding?

Traffic in avalanche terrain requires more than checking the danger level before the trip.

You should be able to:

• Recognize avalanche terrain and outlet areas
• Understanding today's landslide problem
• choose terrain based on the conditions
• observe changes along the way
• change route or turn around if conditions warrant it
• carry out comrade rescue in the event of an avalanche

Transmitter/receiver, probe and shovel are key rescue equipment for anyone moving in avalanche terrain. However, the equipment does not make the terrain safe. You also need to know how to use it and practice buddy rescue.

The most important safety measure is to avoid being caught by avalanches.

Keep an eye on the weather

Avalanche conditions can change quickly.

Wind can move large amounts of snow from one mountainside to another and build up unstable jib snowflakes. Heavy snowfall can increase the load on the snow cover, while rain and rising temperatures can weaken it.

Also in the spring, you need to pay attention. Sun and heat can make the snow cover wetter and less stable, and conditions can change throughout the day.

Therefore, check both the avalanche forecast on Varsom and the weather forecast on Yr before the trip, and continue to monitor the conditions while you are out.

Be willing to change the plan

A good trip plan is not a plan that has to be implemented.

The weather can change. Snow conditions may be different than expected. The terrain may turn out to be more exposed than it appeared on the map.

If conditions don't match the plan, choose a safer route or turn around.

The peak will also be there another day.

Avalanche risk also applies by the road

Avalanches can reach roads and other areas that lie below steep mountainsides.

In the event of an avalanche risk, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration can close roads or introduce other traffic restrictions. Always follow signs, barriers, and official traffic information.

A closed road should never be passed, even if the conditions seem calm where you are. Weather and avalanche conditions may be significantly worse further ahead.

Check the Public Roads Administration traffic if you are going to drive through mountainous areas or weather-exposed stretches.

If an accident occurs

In the event of an avalanche, the first few minutes are very important.

If someone is caught by an avalanche and it is safe for the rest of the group to stay in the area, start buddy rescue immediately and notify the emergency services.

Call 112 when there is a need for search and rescue.

In the event of an acute medical incident that does not require a rescue operation, call 113.

Rescue resources can take time to arrive, especially in bad weather or difficult terrain. The group should therefore be prepared to handle the situation and protect an injured person from the cold while you wait for help.

Before you post – a short checklist

• Check today's avalanche warning at Varsom.
• Check the weather forecast.
• Read the entire avalanche warning, not just the danger level.
• Look at the terrain and potential outlet areas.
• Choose a trip according to the conditions and your own expertise.
• Have the necessary equipment and knowledge if you go in avalanche terrain.
• Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back.
• Keep an eye on weather and snow conditions along the way.
• Be ready to change your trip or turn around.
• Choose a guide or avalanche-safe terrain if you are unsure.

Useful services

Caution – avalanche warning
Official avalanche warnings, avalanche problems, observations and information about avalanche terrain.

Caution – important information about ski touring in Norway
Practical safety information for those who are going on a summit trip in Norwegian mountains.

Dizzy
Updated weather forecasts.

Public Roads Administration traffic
Information about road conditions, road closures, traffic incidents and webcam.

The mountains require good choices

The Narvik region has steep mountains, large amounts of snow and a terrain that provides fantastic opportunities for skiing and outdoor life. The same landscape means that knowledge about weather, snow and avalanches is an important part of trip planning.

Check the conditions, choose terrain according to your own experience and use local guides when you need more knowledge. This provides a better starting point for experiencing the winter mountains in a safe and responsible way.