Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience an Avalanche while skiing or snowboarding in the backcountry?

It’s a question that many skiers and snowboarders have asked themselves at some point, whether out of curiosity, fear, or caution. But the truth is, avalanches are not just a hypothetical scenario – they’re a real danger that can happen to anyone exploring avalanche terrain.

As a backcountry enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty and thrill of skiing in untouched snow and off-the-beaten-path terrain. But as I gained more experience and knowledge about backcountry skiing, I realized there’s much more to it than just strapping on skis and heading out into the wilderness.

Among the many risks and challenges of backcountry skiing, avalanches are the most lethal and unpredictable.

However, with the right skills, tools, and mindset, you can significantly reduce your chances of being caught in an avalanche and increase your chances of survival if you are.

That’s why in this post, I want to share with you some practical tips and strategies for how to survive an avalanche and practice safe backcountry skiing. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to backcountry skiing, these tips can help you prepare for the unexpected and stay safe while enjoying the beauty and thrill of the outdoors.

So, grab a hot cocoa (or beverage of your choice), cozy up by the fire, and let’s dive into the world of avalanche safety and survival.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid understanding of what to do before, during, and after an avalanche and some critical skills and tools for safe backcountry skiing.

What is an Avalanche?

Avalanches are a natural phenomenon that occurs when a mass of snow slides down a slope, often with devastating consequences.

It’s estimated that over 150 avalanche fatalities occur each year by avalanches worldwide, making them one of the most lethal hazards in mountainous areas. But what causes an avalanche, and how can we predict and prevent them?

In general, avalanches occur when a layer of new snow settles on top of a weak layer of snow or ice, causing the entire snowpack to become unstable. When the stress of the snowpack exceeds its strength, an avalanche can be triggered, sending a torrent of snow, ice, and debris down the mountain.

Can Avalanches Occur In-Bounds?

Many skiers and snowboarders assume they are safe from avalanches when they stay within the bounds of a ski resort. However, this is not always the case.

While ski resorts typically do their best to maintain safe conditions for their guests, avalanches can still occur in bounds under certain circumstances. In fact, several high-profile avalanche accidents have occurred within ski resort boundaries over the years, resulting in tragic consequences.

Dangerous conditions such as heavy snowfall, wind loading, and unstable snowpack can all increase the risk of avalanches, even within the controlled environment of a ski resort.

That being said, ski resorts typically implement various avalanche control measures, such as blasting, routing, and patrolling, to minimize the risk of avalanches and keep their guests safe.

Reasons Why You Should Know How to Survive an Avalanche

While nobody wants to think about the possibility of being caught in an avalanche, the truth is that it can happen to anyone who ventures into avalanche terrain. That’s why knowing how to survive an avalanche and practice safe backcountry skiing is essential.

Being prepared and knowing what to do in an avalanche can mean the difference between life and death for yourself and others who may be caught with you.

Statistics show that if a person is buried in an avalanche, they have a 50% chance of survival if they are rescued within the first 15 minutes. After that, the odds drop dramatically.

This means that the rescue speed is absolutely critical, and every second counts. Therefore, it’s essential to act quickly and use all the tools and techniques at your disposal to increase your chances of survival and help rescuers locate and extract you as soon as possible.

Avalanche Avoidance & Survival Steps

Avalanches are one of the most significant natural hazards facing backcountry travelers, and they can strike suddenly and without warning. While there is no foolproof way to prevent avalanches from occurring, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of being caught in one and increase your chances of survival if you are.

In this post, we’ll outline some essential avalanche avoidance and survival steps to help you stay safe in the avalanche country while enjoying your outdoor activities.

1. Identify avalanche danger and know when to back away from a hazardous situation.

One of the most critical steps in avoiding an avalanche is identifying when a slope is dangerous and knowing when to back away from a hazardous situation.

Fortunately, several resources are available to help you make informed decisions about avalanche risk, including the local avalanche forecast and snow condition reports. Before heading out into avalanche terrain, it’s essential to consult these sources and evaluate the current conditions carefully.

Look for signs of unstable snow, such as recent heavy snowfall or wind loading, and pay attention to any cracks, whumpfs (a collapse in weak layers of snow), or other indications of instability in the snowpack.

If conditions are questionable, it’s crucial to err on the side of caution and either avoid the area entirely or take steps to minimize the risk, such as staying on lower-angle slopes or traversing across slopes one at a time.

2. Prepare before any ski trip by taking an avalanche safety course, packing the right equipment, and mapping out your route. 

Before embarking on any backcountry ski trip, it’s essential to go through avalanche training to learn about avalanche awareness, rescue techniques, and safe travel practices.

Additionally, it’s crucial to pack the right rescue gear, including a small shovel, avalanche probe, avalanche beacon, and even an avalanche airbag, and know how to use them effectively. These tools can help you locate and extract buried victims and improve your chances of survival in the event of an avalanche.

Finally, it’s crucial to carefully map out your route, identify potential hazards, and avoid high-risk areas wherever possible.

3. Familiarize yourself with the terrain and surrounding area when skiing in the backcountry. 

When skiing or snowboarding in the backcountry, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the terrain and surrounding area before you start your descent.

This means identifying potential avalanche hazards, such as steep slopes, cornices, and avalanche debris fields, and avoiding them wherever possible.

In addition, it’s essential to be aware of fellow skiers or snowboarders in the area and give each other plenty of space to avoid collisions or interference. Knowing the layout of the mountains and access routes can help you plan your trip and avoid getting lost or stuck in a hazardous area.

Finally, identifying safe areas to take shelter or regroup in an emergency is always a good idea.

By familiarizing yourself with the terrain and surrounding area, you can help reduce your risk of being caught in an avalanche or other dangerous situation and stay safer in the backcountry.

4. Be aware of weather conditions that can increase the risk of an avalanche. 

Weather plays a critical role in avalanche formation and can significantly impact the risk of an avalanche occurring. That’s why knowing weather conditions and forecasts is essential when planning to ski or snowboard in the backcountry.

Start by checking the weather forecast for your location and paying attention to local weather patterns that can influence snow conditions, such as wind, temperature changes, and precipitation.

Warm temperatures and heavy rain can weaken the snowpack and increase the risk of an avalanche. In contrast, cold temperatures and heavy snowfall can create unstable conditions that persist for days or weeks.

It’s also important to pay attention to any changes in snow conditions, such as recent snowfall or wind loading, that can increase the risk of an avalanche occurring.

5. Know the signs of an avalanche, how to recognize them, and what to look for during an avalanche’s aftermath. 

Recognizing the signs of an avalanche is critical for avoiding and surviving one. Look for signs of recent avalanche activity, such as fresh avalanche debris, cracked or broken trees, or other evidence of snow movement.

Be aware of the weather conditions that can create unstable snow conditions and increase the risk of an avalanche. These include heavy snowfall, rapid temperature changes, and strong winds that can deposit snow on leeward slopes.

Additionally, look for indicators of unstable snow, such as hollow or “whumpfing” sounds, shooting cracks, or snow that feels unconsolidated or not well bonded.

Finally, in the aftermath of an avalanche, look for clues that can help you identify the cause, such as the slope angle, aspect, and vegetation cover.

By knowing the signs of an avalanche and how to recognize them, you can make safer decisions when traveling in avalanche terrain and stay vigilant for potential hazards.

6. Understand proper search techniques and rescue response protocols in case of an emergency.

Despite taking all the necessary precautions, accidents can still happen in the backcountry, and being prepared to respond in the event of an avalanche is essential for survival. That’s why it’s crucial to understand proper search techniques and rescue response protocols before heading into avalanche terrain.

Start by investing in an avalanche transceiver and learning how to use it effectively. This device can help locate buried victims and improve your chances of survival in an avalanche.

Additionally, take the time to learn proper search and rescue techniques so that when an avalanche stops, you can begin rescue efforts immediately, as time is your enemy when searching for buried victims.

Furthermore, basic first aid knowledge can be critical in treating injuries that occur during an avalanche. Being prepared and having the right skills and equipment can increase your chances of survival in an emergency.

What if I’m the Person Caught in an Avalanche?

Being caught in an avalanche can be a terrifying and potentially life-threatening experience.

If you find yourself caught in an avalanche, try to create an air pocket by sticking one arm above your head and cupping your other hand around your face. This will help make a small pocket of air around your face and give you more time to breathe while you wait to be rescued.

Try to stay calm and conserve your energy, as it may take time for rescuers to reach you. Try to stay afloat on top of the snow by swimming or kicking your legs. This will help you stay closer to the surface and give you extra breathing room.

Remember, your chances of survival increase significantly if you can stay on the surface of the snow.

By following these tips and staying vigilant when traveling in avalanche terrain, you can help reduce your risk of being caught in an avalanche and increase your chances of survival in an emergency.

What not to do in an Avalanche

In an avalanche, it’s critical to avoid making any sudden movements or panic reactions. Do not try to fight the snow, as these actions may cause you to sink deeper and potentially suffocate.

Avoid shouting or screaming, as this can fill your lungs with snow and reduce your ability to breathe.

Similarly, don’t try to outrun an avalanche, as they can travel up to 80 miles per hour and are impossible to outrun. Instead, try to move laterally or diagonally to get out of the slide path.

Finally, do not travel alone. Always have a partner with you who has proper training and equipment.

By avoiding these common mistakes and proactively approaching avalanche safety, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable backcountry skiing or snowboarding experience.

What are the Odds of Surviving an Avalanche?

Surviving an avalanche can be challenging, and the odds of survival depend on several factors, such as snow conditions, avalanche size, equipment, rescue time, and training.

According to the National Avalanche Center, the chances of survival decrease significantly after just 15 minutes of burial in an avalanche. However, those equipped with an avalanche transceiver have a higher probability of survival, with the chance of survival dropping by 50% after 35 minutes and by 90% after two hours of burial [1].

Proper training and experience can also increase your chances of survival by improving your decision-making abilities and reducing your exposure to hazards.

The size of the avalanche is also a significant factor, with smaller avalanches having a higher survival rate than larger ones [2].

Finally, rescue time is crucial. Faster response times increase the chances of finding and rescuing buried victims.

Taking the necessary precautions and being prepared for an avalanche can increase your chances of surviving in an emergency.

Wrapping Up

As we’ve seen, surviving an avalanche can be a challenging and potentially life-threatening experience. However, by taking the necessary precautions and carrying the proper equipment, you can increase your chances of survival in the event of an emergency.

One of the most essential pieces of equipment you can carry is an avalanche transceiver, which can help locate buried victims and improve your chances of survival.

Additionally, make sure to travel with experienced partners, carry a backpack with appropriate avalanche safety gear, and always check weather and snow conditions before heading out.

By being proactive and investing in the right equipment, you can reduce your risk of being caught in an avalanche and increase your chances of survival if the worst should happen.

References

1. National Avalanche Center. (n.d.). Snowy Torrents: Avalanche Accidents in the United States, 1980-86. USDA Forest Service.

2. Schweizer, J., & Jamieson, B. (2007). Snow Avalanches as Natural Hazard. Handbook of Natural Hazard and Disaster Reduction, 301–316. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-32353-4_18