RUFF  work

Avalanche Incidents -- Cost Analysis

Organized Rescue vs. Trained Dog team

This contribution is based on actual incidents.  The Area and the Author are not cited due to possibility of pending litigation.

The cost variance in organized rescue vs. a small team including a trained dog team is huge.  The costs of two recovery operations at a US ski resort in the last five years illustrate it convincingly.   It also demonstrates the necessity for well trained, certified dog teams. 

            In recovery A, a large avalanche (4-5’ crown x 700-800’ wide running approximately 900 vertical feet) that caught and buried two people was responded to in force.  The total number of paid personnel deployed was almost 40.  In addition, 25 commission based ski instructors and 35 volunteers were deployed.  Equipment deployed included one helicopter, five snowmobiles, and one snowcat.  Four dog teams were also deployed.  None of the dog teams were certified by any organization at the time.  Extensive control work was done to secure the site before any personnel entered the area.  The entire operation took almost eight hours from start to finish.

            In recovery B, the avalanche was approximately 2-4’ deep X 125-175’ wide running about 450 vertical feet.  This avalanche however, ran into a deep narrow gully and produced surprisingly deep debris.  This time, avalanche control work was done, again producing more slides.  After the area was deemed safe, two WBR certified dog teams began searching and within five minutes, the first dog indicated and began digging.  A positive strike was made with a probe and the dog continued to clear the slide path.  Both dog teams continued to work the reminder of the debris and two probe lines comprised of volunteers and paid professionals probed areas not covered by the dog teams.  This operation took four hours from the time of the first report until the operations were secured. Fifteen paid workers, four snowmobiles and a snow cat were used, mainly to recover the victim.  A medical helicopter was deployed, but unable to fly due to poor visibility. 

Cost Comparison        

  All costs are approximate, based on average hourly wage and average cost per hour of machinery operation.

The cost benefit of trained, certified dog teams that are deployed in an effective manner is obvious.  Other costs to consider are the closing of lifts due to manpower requirements, psychological impact on rescuers, and potential for further accident when large numbers of people are involved.

  Numbers are base on two actual recoveries performed between 1996 and 2000