Backcountry Safety

For Your Safety

Be Prepared

• Research the route you plan to take.
• Check local weather forecasts before you go. Be prepared for sudden changes in mountain weather. Snow is possible any month of the year.
• For current conditions on trails and potential wildlife concerns, check
  • Advisories & Public Safety
• • Trail Reports
  • Avalanche Report and Avalanche Terrain Ratings & Exposure Scale
  • The nearest Visitor Centre
• Leave all valuables at home. Vehicle break-ins do occur in Kananaskis.

While You Hike

• Stay on established trails when possible to avoid trail braiding.
• Do NOT pick or collect wildflowers or other vegetation including deadfall. Picking or collecting rocks, fossils and artifacts is NOT permitted - take a photograph instead!
• Share the trail with other users. During breaks, step off the trail so others can pass.
• Do not litter - this includes cigarette butts, seed shells and tissue.
• Occasional shouting will warn wildlife that you are in the area.
  • This is especially important near noisy creeks and in dense forest.
  • Shouts are more effective than a bell, whistle or horn.
• If you decide to take your dog into the backcountry, remember:
  • Your dog must be kept on a leash at all times.
  • Your dog's waste must be packed out or buried.
  • Wildlife regard your pet as either prey or predator.

Cooking & Cleaning

• Fires in parks and campgrounds are permitted only where metal fire rings are provided.
• Burn only the wood provided and be aware that supplies may be limited.
• Collecting and burning dead wood is not permitted.
• Cooking with a portable stove is recommended.
• If you choose to have a fire, make sure it is completely extinguished before going to sleep or leaving camp.
• For splitting wood, an axe is provided at the woodpile at backcountry campgrounds.
• Pack out all food waste and garbage. Leftover food should not be buried, dumped in the outhouse or burned.
• Do not clean pots and dishes in any water source. Instead, carry water a good distance away to wash your dishes. Dump the soapy ("grey") water in the outhouse.
• Wash and bathe at least 50 metres from any water source.
• Keep food, garbage, toiletry items (like soap and toothpaste) and clothing used while cooking out of reach of bears:
  • Hang/store food bags on racks or storage lockers provided.
  • Always secure your food before going to sleep or leaving camp.
  • Never store food or toiletries in your tent.

Disposal of Human Waste

• When hiking, urinate at least 50 metres from trails and water sources.
• When hiking, defecate in a cathole (catholes should be 15-20 centimetres deep and 50 metres from trails and water sources). Bury your waste then replace the topsoil.
• Pack out toilet paper or dispose of it in an outhouse.
• If you are travelling on snow or ice or in the high alpine, please pack out your waste.
• While at camp, use the outhouse to urinate or defecate.

Winter Survival

• Winter Survival in the Backcountry booklet

In Case You Need to be Rescued...

Everyone who travels in the backcountry should be fully prepared. You should plan to self-rescue if possible. If not...

Calling for Help

• Dial 9-1-1 from a pay or cell phone - remember that cell phone coverage is limited in many locations throughout Kananaskis.
• Tell the dispatcher that you have an emergency in Kananaskis Country. The dispatcher will then transfer you to the Kananaskis Country Emergency Services Centre.
• With a satellite phone, dialing 9-1-1 may transfer you to an emergency centre unfamiliar with Kananaskis Country - if you're using a satellite phone, call the local emergency number instead (403-591-7767).
• Kananaskis Country Emergency Services Centre dispatch will ask you questions to better understand:
  • the exact location of the emergency;
  • the nature of the accident and the seriousness of any injuries;
  • your name and call back number; and
    
  • when the accident occurred.

Signalling a Helicopter

• On occasion, a helicopter may be used for backcountry rescue.
• Rescue staff in the helicopter are not able to communicate with people on the ground.
  • It is imperative that you use standard visual signals to reduce confusion.
  • Although dispatchers will coach you on how to make these signals, knowing them before you head into the backcountry is preferable.
    

• To reduce confusion when a helicopter approaches, the person on the ground with a satellite phone or cell phone should remain on the line with dispatch.