18.01.2021

A force of nature in white

Fieberbrunn Avalanche Commission

When a sparkling blanket of snow is transformed into a powerful and uncontrollable avalanche, the result is both fascinating and terrifying. The people of the Alpine regions have had to live with this force of nature for centuries. The experienced members of the Fieberbrunn Avalanche Commission know the risks and implement preventative protective measures through their dedicated approach.

7:30 - a glance at the clock reveals the time. We find ourselves close to Fieberbrunn mountain station with three members of the Avalanche Commission. Martin Trixl, Markus Kogler and Alois Blaßnigg have been operating in the field of avalanche protection for many years and provide us with an insight into their work. The sun is showing off its flashier side. It shines bright in the cloudy sky and brings a sparkle to the snowy landscape. The slopes beneath the peak of the imposing Wildseeloder are largely untouched and invite guests to embrace adventures away from the piste – if it were not for the one big ‘BUT’ because avalanches are still the most powerful force of nature in the Alps. In order to minimise the dangers in advance, 30 members of the Fieberbrunn Avalanche Commission, including nine certified explosive experts, are hard at work in Tyrol’s snowiest region. Every five years, the mayor appoints suitable individuals from the area to take on this responsible task. These individuals always have exceptional Alpine expertise and have completed in-depth training. “95% of our team are also active members of the Mountain Rescue. This is a particularly beneficial combination where our work is concerned,” explains Martin Trixl while his colleague Markus Kogler identifies a suitable place for digging a snow profile.

He skilfully saws a wide block of snow from the remaining blanket of snow and feels the various layers. The crystals form differently depending on the weather conditions, sometimes coarse and sometimes fine. Using a magnifying glass and grid, the shape and size of the crystals can be determined. Markus strikes the block with a shovel until cracks begin to form. “In this way, we can gain information about the avalanche risk in the area immediately surrounding the snow profile,” says the avalanche expert. In addition to implementing protective measures in the ski resort, the commission is also concerned with making sure that the roads can be safely navigated and residential properties easily accessed.

Avalanche experts on duty

When on duty, the colleagues meet at the headquarters opposite Fieberbrunn valley station at 7am. “After discussing the location, we check the weather report and measurement points. In cases of intense snowfall, we are also active in the town itself. Otherwise, we focus on securing the organised ski resort. We are not responsible for the off-piste terrain. We have 20 explosion points in total and in good weather, the explosions are carried out by helicopter,” Alois Blaßnigg explains. Four different kinds of avalanche can be identified: loose snow, glide snow, powder snow and slab avalanches. The latter presents a particular danger to winter sports fans on the off-piste terrain. “It takes a few ingredients for masses of snow to actually break away – like in a recipe. There has to be a weak and a bound layer. But the wind is the most dangerous ingredient,” explains Markus Kogler who also works as a training leader for the Austrian Ski Instructor Federation in addition to being a member of the training team at the Tyrolean Avalanche Commission. 15 cm of new snow paired with wind can create a critical situation whereas 50 cm of new snow without wind can be completely safe. A north-facing slope is generally more dangerous than a south-facing one. The steepness of the terrain is a key factor because the risk of avalanche kicks in with a gradient of 35% or more.

Safety on the mountain

Anyone out and about on the off-piste terrain bears a great deal of responsibility – for themselves and for others. Good equipment, the right preparation and Alpine expertise are essential for the best possible control over the risks.

“Nowadays most sports participants are significantly better equipped than in the past. 40 years ago, nobody had an avalanche device or shovel in their rucksack. Despite that, good equipment alone is not sufficient,” Martin Trixl warns. An off-piste excursion should start before you leave the building. Things can quickly turn dangerous if you do not get a proper grip of the potential hazards. “It is important to start small and move cautiously up to the steeper terrain one step at a time. You can learn all the knowledge you need on various courses. Anyone with a command of the theory but minimal practical experience should ensure they are accompanied by a trained mountain guide,” Markus Kogler recommends. The trend for freeriding and ski touring is unstoppable. Martin Trixl has a positive view of this development: “Many of the slopes are being permanently used which reduces the avalanche risk. In the PillerseeTal, we also have excellent conditions. Our region is situated at a relatively low level yet has plenty of snow and minimal wind”.

Checklist for professional avalanche equipment on off-piste terrain

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