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Avalanche Awareness
Disclaimer
This is a basic introduction to avalanche safety and awareness.
We encourage you to read this manual thoroughly. On our website,
you will also find a list of avalanche instructors. We strongly suggest
taking an avalanche course in your area before venturing into the
backcountry.
Before leaving, call your local avalanche forecast center and
determine the danger level in the area you intend to visit.
U.S. www.avalanche.org
Canada www.avalanche.ca
Europe www.lawinen.org
At the trailhead, check that each person has a working transceiver,
probe, and shovel—and knows how to use them. We also
recommend the use of avalanche airbags.
Learn to recognize avalanche terrain:
• Does this slope have a history of sliding?
• What is the angle and aspect of the slope?
• Will recent weather impact snow stability?
Learn to avoid avalanche terrain:
• Is there any evidence of recent avalanche activity?
• Is the slope angle between 30 and 45 degrees?
• Does the slope you plan to use have dangerous terrain traps
(rocks, trees, gullies, cliffs, etc.)?
N
S
E
W
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Pockets of next danger level
No avalanche transceiver can save lives without a fully trained
user. Practice frequently with your Tracker before going into
the backcountry. Learn and understand the inherent dangers
of backcountry travel. Become educated in avalanche hazard
evaluation, route selection, and self-rescue. In addition to your
transceiver, always carry a probe and shovel—and always travel
with a partner. We also recommend the use of avalanche airbags.
Make sure all rescue equipment is functioning properly before
venturing into the backcountry. Perform a transceiver trailhead test
every time you use your Tracker. Check that all transceivers transmit
and receive properly—and that all receive a signal at a minimum
distance of ten meters, the international standard for effective range.
Do not place cellular phones, communication radios, or any other
electronic equipment within 20" (50 cm) of the Tracker2 while
performing a transceiver search. In receive mode, irregular readings,
decreased range and multiple burial indications can be caused by
these and other sources of electrical interference, such as power
lines, electrical storms, and electrical generating equipment. In
transmit mode, keep the Tracker2 at least 8" (20 cm) from other
electronic equipment or large metal objects.
Use only alkaline
batteries of identical age and brand. Do not use rechargeable,
lithium, Oxyride, PowerPix, or any other non-alkaline battery.
This owner’s manual covers the basic techniques required
to use the Tracker2 effectively. To increase your efficiency, refer
to the advanced techniques described on our website: www.
backcountryaccess.com. Here you will also find important resources
for obtaining avalanche education and updates on regional
avalanche conditions.
To ensure warranty protection and to be notified of periodic software
updates, please complete an online warranty registration at
www.backcountryaccess.com/warranty.
Conforms to the R&TTE harmonized version of the EN 300 718 and
meets or exceeds the requirements of Articles 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3.