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.
|
Description |
Rescue A |
Rescue B |
|
Manpower cost to resort |
$3520.00 |
$660.00 |
|
Approx Equipment costs |
$2100.00 |
$1200.00 |
|
Loss of business in Ski School |
$5000.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Explosives |
$1350.00 |
$500.00 |
|
Logistical support (food, drinks, etc.) |
$1000.00 |
$250.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
$12,970.00 |
$2610.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.