Statistically skiers, snow mobilers (in the U.S.) and hikers are the most likely backcountry enthusiasts to get caught in an avalanche. Chances are, the avalanche casualty or someone in their own party triggered the slide.
Myths About Avalanches and Self-Rescue
- "Avalanches strike without warning" : In the popular media, avalanches rank alongside stock market crashes, meteor impacts, and lightning strikes as unpredictable forces that can strike at random to maim and kill unsuspecting holiday makers. But avalanches are, for the most part, creatures of habit. They almost always have obvious signs.
- "If an avalanche is coming, get out of the way" : An avalanche victim can try! A medium-sized dry avalanche travels around 140 km/hr. It's nearly impossible for someone to outrun or out-ski an avalanche. A fast snowmobile has some chance but everyone else has a slim chance at best.
- "Spit to see which way is up" It doesn't matter which way is up. Once buried it's almost impossible for an avalanche victim to dig himself out of avalanche debris. It's similar to being buried in concrete. Friends on the surface must dig the buried person out.
These myths are based on avalanche authority Bruce Tremper's findings. He describes a frightening avalanche experience, debunks more myths and provides answers to FAQ's at the Utah Avalanche Center.
What to Do in an Avalanche
- Shout loudly for attention. It's important that there are witnesses of the avalanche victim's descent path.
- Attempt to ski or run out.
- Fight to maintain position (grab anything in the way rocks, trees . . .)
- If possible, discard ski poles or ice axe and back pack.
- Do everything to stay on the surface, usually a survival instinct that involves swimming, kicking, fighting, and so on. A human body is about three times denser than avalanche debris and it tends to sink unless it's swimming hard.
- When the avalanche slows, try and kick to the surface. Thrust one hand up high as possible. Visual clues allow friends on the surface to find a buried avalanche victim faster.
- Guard the face with the other arm to provide a breathing space. This helps delay the buildup of carbon dioxide in the snow around the mouth, which allows a person to live longer under the snow.
- As the avalanche is stopping an attempt to dig out must occur very quickly. Typically there's about 3 seconds before the snow sets like cement.
- If unable to move, relax as much as possible to conserve oxygen. For the same reason, only yell if the rescuers are near (snow is a very good insulator).
For serious winter snow enthusiasts who spend a lot of time in avalanche terrain, such as heli-ski guides, there are some specialized avalanche safety items available on the market.
Specialty Avalanche Survival Equipment, Avalung
The Avalung functions as an artificial air pocket through which air is taken directly from the surrounding snow pack. This air is directed to the user's mouthpiece and exhaled air is redirected to a different part of the snow pack to minimize CO2 contamination. Usually, a casualty's chances of survival after being buried for 15 minutes diminish rapidly. With an Avalung the manufacturers claim to extend those critical minutes to an hour.
Specialty Avalanche Survival Equipment, ABS Air Bag System
By pulling a ripcord, the avalanche ABS airbag system built into a backpack adds 150 liters to a person's volume. The concept behind it is that giving them a lesser overall density it keeps an avalanche casualty on the surface.
These items cannot prevent an avalanche. They should never replace preventative actions or be a 'license' to venture onto a suspect slope.
With an understanding of which slopes can potentially avalanche, training in evaluating snow stability and safe travel techniques most avalanche incidents can be avoided in the first place.
Related Articles:
Avalanche Search and Rescue Equipment
What to Do if Someone is Buried in an Avalanche
