Avalanche Survival: Know the Signs

The ski season has arrived and with it snow. Each day there seems to be more snow providing a longer season for skiers and a greater chance of danger. Every thing from frost bite to falls, but one of the biggest worries of this season is avalanches. They are a very real danger and occur without warning. They can kill in a matter of minutes by crushing it's victim under heavy snow pack without a clue as to which way is up or room to breath.

If you are going to ski in an area where an avalanche could occur then you must be aware of the dangers and how to survive. Most avalanches occur in areas with heavy snow fall, new snow fall and sudden warming temperatures. They are usually on the side of the mountain facing away from the wind or toward the sun. When you have new snowfall over previous snowfall and it cannot support anymore of the weight you will have a greater the average chance of an avalanche.

There are several factors other then weather condition that can also create an avalanche but the most common one is snow mobiles. They are now able to reach higher levels and create enough vibration to loosen the snow causing it to start sliding. Once it begins to slide you can not stop it and if you are in it's path you can only do your best to survive it.

Your best protection is to avoid avalanche areas where warnings have been posted. Next is to wear a beacon made for just such an occurrence. The beacon will broadcast a signal with your position by a magnetic positioning picked up by others in your group. If you group can pick up a signal they can make their way to where you are one at a time in case of another slide. Once in the area and all is stable the others can join in the search.

When caught in the path of an avalanche try to stay at the top of the snow slide by using a freestyle swimming motion moving across the snow. This will help to keep you from being buried beyond reach.

If you become buried do not panic. Stop, take a breath and think. You will be completely disoriented. There will be no landmarks to tell you which way is up. Settle back and spit. Watch the spit. The direction of the fall is down so you want to dig the other direction up! Dig slowly and pack behind you to raise yourself upward.

If you are injured stay still until you can gauge the situation and how bad each injury is. Try not to injure yourself further, but if you must move you can use your ski pole if it's still with you to push a hole to the surface for location and air.

Always go in groups when skiing in areas with possible avalanche conditions. With extra people comes the extra chances of danger, but also your survivability increases. More eyes to watch for danger and more hands to dig you out if the worst happens.

Enjoy your winter and plan for safety. Carry emergency equipment and train for the dangers of winter. Once you have learned the safety rules you are ready to have fun, relax and hit the slopes.