Portland Mountain Rescue

  • Home
  • About PMR
    • What is PMR?
    • Our Mission
    • Team Structure
    • Board of Directors
    • Member Photo Gallery
    • Get Involved
    • Applications
    • FAQ’s
  • Safety
    • Safe Climbing & PLB’s
      • Beacons Explained
    • Climbing Season Tips
    • Mountain Safety Videos
    • Request a Safety Presentation
  • Resources
    • PMR Podcasts
    • Search and Rescue Links
    • Climbing Links
    • Snow Sports
    • Weather & Avalanche Links
  • Contact Us
  • Contribute
    • How to Contribute
    • Our Sponsors

March 6, 2018 by PMR

PMR Warns about Treewell Hazards

Check out our interview at  KATU treewell hazards

What’s a Treewell?

A treewell is a ring of fluffy, unconsolidated snow that forms around tree trunks.  The boughs of the tree shelter the area, so not as much snow accumulates there. The bows also block sunlight, so the snow does not consolidate well, even several days after a big dump.

What is the Risk to Skiers and Riders?

Skier gets too close, the snow gives way and they tumble.  Because they are attached to their boards, their feet stay near the surface, but their head and torso sink into the fluffy snow.  Once that happens, it is extremely difficult to get out.  Several years ago, a Canadian group did a study where a bunch of fit college kids jumped into treewells.  90% of them could not get out without help!

And Then You Freeze to Death?

The risk once in a treewell is that you will suffocate.  Snow packs in around you and can freeze to form a death mask of ice.  Or you can inhale so much fluffy snow that you drown.  This can happen in minutes.  If you don’t suffocate, you’ll have a couple of hours before you are overcome by hypothermia.

What can you do to Survive?

Grab hold of the tree to prevent sinking deeper.  Pack out an air space around your face.  Don’t struggle; that causes snow to pack around you more.  Use the tree to raise yourself if you can.  Release your bindings if you can, but you usually can’t reach them.  Otherwise, conserve your energy and wait for your buddies to find you.

What’s the Best Prevention?

First, recognize the risk.  Always ski with a buddy and keep your buddy in clear view.  That means skiing side by side like in dual slalom.  If your buddy is behind you, you can’t see them fall in a tree well.

Carry an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe.  Don’t use pole straps so that your hands will be free to move through the snow.  You also can wear an avalung or other emergency breathing device.

 

Filed Under: HeadlineNews, Resources, Uncategorized Tagged With: Mount Hood, Mt. Hood

Top of Page

Stay In Touch

FacebookInstagramYouTube Subscribe PMR Podcast Rescue Radio
Address
Portland Mtn Rescue
P.O. Box 5391
Portland, Oregon 97228
Phone
In an EMERGENCY immediately call 911 After you hang up, save your cell phone battery and keep your phone available for further contact with rescue personnel.
503-222-PMRU (7678)
E-mail
info@pmru.org
CONTRIBUTE
no charge for rescue

Member Services

Members Login Here

The PMR logo is a Servicemark of Portland Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue logo is a Trademark of the Mountain Rescue Association and is used here with permission.

Photographs courtesy of Matt Weaver.

View PMR's Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Portland Mountain Rescue. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2023 · PMR Custom Theme based on Executive Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in