How to survive an avalanche

The new year 2021 in many regions began with an incredibly beautiful and snowy winter. While many people are enjoying walking and winter sports, the sad news is coming, so typical for ski areas.

Two incidents occurred at the beginning of the third week of January. An avalanche descended in Swiss Verbier, covering ten skiers, one of whom did not manage to escape from the avalanche. Around the same time, it became known about the incident in Karachay-Cherkessia, where an avalanche also descended at the Dombai ski resort. So far, one victim has been reported.

And even though a lot depends on chance and luck when meeting with the elements, preparation and the absence of panic play a significant role in increasing the chances of salvation in an avalanche. Every person who practices winter sports, lives at the foot of a mountain, or travels to potentially avalanche-prone areas must know the basic rules of action in case of danger.

What to do during an avalanche

So, the ski season is still in full swing, but with all these tragic events at the beginning of the year, now is the time to find out what you can do if you are on the slopes and a snow shower has taken you by surprise.

Below are six tips to help you survive an avalanche.

Step aside

Seeing an avalanche approaching, do not try to run away from it. On the contrary, you should immediately run perpendicular to your trajectory so as not to be in the middle of the "wave". In the event that an avalanche begins under your feet (which can happen when skiing or snowboarding), act quickly and try to jump up the slope above the break line.

Find a strong foundation

Boulders and trees won't help you much in a major avalanche, but they can save you from less powerful snow cascades. If you find yourself in the path of one of them, try to grab onto a tree branch or a hard rock so as not to lose your balance and stay in one place, avoiding disorientation.

swim

In order not to be under the rubble of snow and debris, it is better to stay on top of the avalanche. If you have good physical preparation, in this case it will save your life. You can try to go with the flow, like surfing. In this case, as in the parable of the mouse in the pail of milk, “thrashing furiously to avoid drowning” is a good alternative survival tactic.

Raise one hand up

You should also try to stretch one arm up so that if an avalanche does hit you, you can literally help your rescue team find you.

If you find yourself under a pile of snow before you run out of air, digging towards the surface is your way to salvation. Here it is important not to make a mistake with the direction, because such a miscalculation can be fatal. Extreme survivalists in this case recommend, as a last resort, use the hint of the earth's gravity force and spit. In this case, the liquid will flow to the ground, which means it’s definitely not worth digging in that direction.

Create space to breathe

Most avalanche-related deaths are caused by asphyxiation. If you get caught in an avalanche, grab your hands and put them over your mouth as you keep moving. This "will create a small air pocket that you can stay in for up to 30 minutes." They also suggest digging some space around the face to get some extra breathing space once the avalanche is over. “Expanding the chest by filling the lungs with air” will also give the same effect.

Keep calm

It is understandable that you may be tempted to panic, but it is imperative that you do not. If you panic, your breathing will go up and you'll fill up what little space you have with too much carbon dioxide, shortening your 30-minute window of survival. Try to breathe as evenly as possible so that the rescue team has as much time as possible to find you.

What to bring on an avalanche slope

However, the best thing you can do to survive an avalanche is to take certain precautions before heading into a potentially dangerous area.

• Whether you're a skier or snowboarder, or just happen to be in mountainous regions known for avalanches, stay up to date with all the latest weather news. Check not only the weather forecast, but also the local safety information center website.
• Purchase a slope meter to identify potential hazards and avoid the risk of an avalanche.
• When going to the mountains, do not forget to take an avalanche beacon with you. These devices work like radio beacons: they transmit frequencies and can send information about your exact location to other beacons. Having a beacon can make the difference between life and death while you wait to be rescued.
• Make sure to purchase a special inflatable vest or jacket. These survival gear pack into a backpack and actuate like a skydiving ring, inflating behind you and allowing you to either float on the crest of an avalanche or, once under it, have more space around you and a chance of being detected due to more massive equipment in bright colors. .
• Don't forget the shovel. Special rescue shovels come in various modifications and often fold out to fit in a backpack. The main thing is the presence of a metal bucket or insert. Leave plastic versions of shovels at home for children in the sandbox.
• An avalanche probe is another essential piece of equipment to have with you in the mountains. If your comrade was covered in a snow wave and you were able to determine his location by radio signal, you have to determine the exact position and depth of the snow above the victim. An avalanche probe is often referred to as a " probe " and is made of aluminum and should be about three meters long when disassembled.

In addition to knowing what life-saving equipment is needed and buying it, don't forget to discuss your options with your fellow riders. In the event of a critical situation, you cannot lose a minute and the coherence of your actions, the availability of equipment and the ability to use it can save you and your friends.

Many places organize courses on survival and safety in case of an avalanche. This small investment of your time and money can be the best investment in your life by extending it.

Safe skiing and competent preparation!