Survival tips for an avalanche

Be prepared!

• The best way to survive an avalanche is to avoid one!
• Plan your trip carefully, taking into consideration the weather, people's ability level, terrain and other hazards.
• Carry survival equipment in a backpack: shovel, probe and spare batteries. Wear a transmitter. Ski jackets are available with build in 'Recco' transmitters.
• Test your transmitter's send and receive functions before you set off.
• Stick to low angle slopes, wooded areas, ridges and broad valley bottoms to avoid avalanche paths.
• Avoid slopes with lots of wind-loaded snow.
• Learn the significance of wind, sun, shade and terrain on avalanche danger.
• Avoid terrain features that will increase the depth of burial (e.g. gullies), decrease the chance of escape (e.g. crevasses) and increase the chance of injury (e.g. cliffs and rocks).
• Always stay in a group and make sure only one person at a time travels on a suspect slope.
• Never ski down a slope that has been closed off.
• Let snow settle after a storm.

As soon as you see the avalanche, call out to draw attention to yourself

• Crouch low and turn away from the avalanche.
• Try to ride out the slide and stay on top of the snow by using swimming motions.
• Grab hold of trees or rocks to avoid being dragged down the slope.
• Keep your mouth closed and your teeth clenched.

Once the avalanche has stopped it will soon set like concrete so act fast:

• Dig out an airspace in front of your face with your hands.
• Wiggle to make airspace round your body.
• Thrust an arm to the surface.
• Stay calm and control your breathing.
• Sound doesn't travel well through snow so save your energy - shout only when you hear a rescuer near.