Staying safe in avalanche risk level 4

In these conditions one of the best ways to stay safe and have more fun is to think not just about where to go but about "how you go".  Don't get smitten by "powder frenzy".  there are a number of points around this and the exact decision must be based on a judgement about where you are, the size of the group, the skill of the group, the fitness of the group and the general mood and attitude.  But these three points always matter and remain important.

• Ski one at the time, - this reduces the pressure on the slab and dramatically decreases the chances you will trigger the slab to slide 
• Cluster together and wait for your friends only in islands of safety
  
• Don't ski above other skiers,.  To trigger an avalanche on to someone else is a few steps worse than bad manners, you might end up in court for manslaughter.

Often this is the difference between an avalanche and an accident.  These factors are even more important in risk level 4 - which is where we are right now