How to Survive an Avalanche

Even if you've taken precautions and have been on the lookout for an avalanche, there's still a chance you could be caught in one. What can you do to improve your chances of living through it?

Things You'll Need

  • Detailed Local Maps
  • Walkie-talkies
  • Weather Radios
  • Avalanche Beacon
  • Avalanche Probe
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make escape plans as you travel. Keep an eye open for protected areas you can head for if you see or hear an avalanche start.

    • 2

      Keep your party spread out as you cross avalanche terrain. If one starts, there's a better chance that not everyone will get caught, leaving someone to search for you. If you are all under the snow - or injured by the avalanche - your chances of being found and dug up are shot.

    • 3

      Shout so that others in your group are aware of the danger. It's not true that loud noises will trigger an avalanche (unless you're causing the ground to tremble).

    • 4

      Get rid of your ski poles, snowboard, etc. They'll get in your way as you try to stay above the snow.

    • 5

      Start swimming to stay on the surface. Head for one side.

    • 6

      Try to make your way to the top just as you feel the snow beginning to slow. Because there is so much air in moving snow, fighting while it's still rushing along uses precious energy and achieves very little. Concentrate on keeping the snow out of your mouth and nose if you end up under the surface. As the snow slows, its density increases and that's the time to struggle.

    • 7

      Make a space in front of your face if you end up under the snow. This is much easier to do while the snow is still moving.

    • 8

      Conserve your air. While it's tempting to start shouting for help, this may not be the best idea because snow has great sound-insulating qualities.