Studying 1:25,000 geological surveys to identify natural avalanche runout zones, sea-ice lead dynamics, and potential evacuation valleys before deployment.
Every expedition member requires between 4,500 and 5,500 calories per day in sub-zero conditions. Rations are packed into waterproof modular bags by 48-hour allotments.
In high latitudes, a falling barometric gradient of more than 2 hPa per hour indicates an incoming blizzard cell. Shelters must be trenched before storm onset.
Marching in 50-minute blocks with 10-minute nutrition stops. Camp setup is strictly drilled: deadman snow anchors set, snow walls built, and stoves primed inside vestibules.