Adventuring in the snow is great fun but every year a number of people are killed in avalanches. If you ski or snowboard off-piste, ride a snowmobile or hike in winter conditions then you are definitely at risk of being caught in an avalanche and so it is crucial that you know what you can do to help save yourself. Doing the right thing could be the difference between life and death.
The Causes
Most avalanches are caused by the victims or someone close to them. They are usually not just a natural event. Before you set out check out the avalanche risk and if it is high change your plans. The exact causes of avalanches can be complicated and the dangers difficult to assess but there are avalanche courses which are well worth attending if you possibly can.
Equipment
It goes without saying that you should be appropriately dressed before you venture out in the snow. Wear a good jacket and trousers and always wear a helmet. Carry a probe and a shovel. A probe will help locate victims and can be used to make air holes to allow them to breathe whilst they await rescue, and a shovel will allow you to dig victims out five times as fast as you can with your hands. Carrying a transceiver or avalanche beacon is also important as the signals these emit will enable rescuers to locate you quickly if you become trapped. If you take a transceiver make sure you set it to receive before you set out. There are now special backpacks with airbags available. They are costly but could save your life. If trapped in falling snow the airbags can be deployed to help keep you above the surface and create a larger air pocket should you find yourself buried.
Travel in Groups
Do not go our alone in avalanche country. If you get caught it may take time for others to realise you have not returned and they will not know where to start looking for you. Every second is vital and so you should always go out with others. If skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling or hiking in a group, maintain a gap between each person as you tackle the terrain. If you keep separate when an avalanche does occur some of the group may be close enough to the edge to escape and they can then locate and help rescue those who are trapped. Travelling single file also means you are less likely to trigger an avalanche in the first place.
Move
If an avalanche starts then act quickly. If the snow starts to fall from beneath your feet attempt to move up the slope away from it. If the snow is falling towards you then move to the side of the fall immediately. You may be able to get clear of the fall but even if you can’t the further away from the centre you are the better as the snowfall is most intense in the centre of the avalanche. If it inevitable that you are going to get caught then ditch your skis and poles as these will slow you down and drag you deeper into the snow.
Hold On
If possible grab hold of a tree or bolder to stop yourself sliding down the mountain. This will also help raise you above the level of the falling snow and keep you closer to the surface when the fall stops. The further to the side you manage to get when the avalanche starts the more likely you are to find something to hold on to.
Swim
If you get caught in the open during an avalanche and the snowfall over takes you flip onto your back and start swimming backstroke by reaching back up the slope with your arms. This will slow your fall and help to keep you near the surface.
Trapped
When the snowfall ceases if you are under the surface reach up to see if you are close enough to dig yourself out. You may not know which way is up but reach around quickly to see if get your hand into fresh air, this will also form an air hole. If you have managed to get your hand clear leave it there as it will help people find you. Cup the other hand around your mouth to create an air pocket around your face and take a deep breath to expand your chest to create some breathing space before the snow hardens. When the snow does harden it will be like concrete and so you only have a very short time to dig yourself out before the task will become impossible. If you are not close enough to the surface to get your hand clear then don’t even try to dig as it will be impossible to free yourself and you will use valuable energy and oxygen trying.
Wait
If the snow has hardened and you are trapped, keep calm and still to preserve your air supply. You have no alternative but to wait to be rescued. Do not waste oxygen and energy calling out unless you can hear people close to you. If you cannot hear them they will certainly not be able to hear you. If you are carrying a transceiver you should be located fairly quickly.
Happy Ending
Hopefully, if you are caught in an avalanche and act in the right way you will emerge unscathed from your ordeal. Simply wear the right clothes, take the right equipment and act appropriately to maximise your chances of escape.
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Sally Stacey is a blogger and extreme sports enthusiast who loves to trek in the mountains in all weathers. Read more on Sally's Google+ profile page.
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