How to Cross a Crevasse Safely

Traveling on glaciers can be very dangerous. These huge ice flows have huge cracks, sometimes hidden only a few inches below a layer of snow, these crevasses prey on climbers, dog sleds and snow mobiles. It is possible to safely cross an area laced crevasses, but caution is paramount. Here are a few tips to help you cross a crevasse safely.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stay roped together; regardless of your mode of travel, be it on foot, sled or snowmobile each member of the party should be roped to each other. Dog sleds or snowmobiles should be tied together as well, but with separate ropes.

    • 2

      Keep as much slack as possible out of the ropes it is ideal to have three members of the party linked on a single rope about 45 feet apart.

    • 3

      Maintain communication with your party at all times. Use prearranged hand signals if you are traveling by sled or snowmobile so that each member will know of danger as soon as it is detected.

    • 4

      Travel slowly and deliberately. Traversing heavily crevassed areas requires great deal of concentration; lower speeds also cause fewer vibrations in crevasse covers.

    • 5

      Check the thickness of the snow as your group travels this best done by the lead person using a ski pole without a basket.

    • 6

      Stow mechanical ascenders or prussic where they can be easily reached in case of a cave-in.