Glossaire

Crédit

Phil Hein

Hangfire is a term used to describe unstable snow that is left on a slope above the fracture line of a slab avalanche. This is because slab avalanches don’t always involve all of the unstable snow on the slope; what’s left behind poses a risk to anyone traveling below it, particularly rescuers.

Hangfire is a serious concern when coordinating avalanche rescue because the potential exists for it to release on the rescuers. If hangfire threatens a rescue—and resources allow—the best practice is to station someone in a safe spot where they can monitor the hangfire and warn other rescuers if a second avalanche releases. As well

, those actively searching for the victim should plan an escape route so they can quickly leave the scene.