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Companion Rescue

What to Do if You Get Caught

Getting caught in an avalanche can be a violent and chaotic experience. The best way to respond largely depends on where you are on the slope. There is no surefire way to escape an avalanche and sometimes it will be impossible, but there are some general steps that may increase your chance of survival.

Tap or hover over the icons in the images below to learn more.

Avalanche survival techniques for skiers

Diagram of how to survive an avalanche while skiing 1. Yell "AVALANCHE!" to alert others and warn them of your situation. A marker on the map2. Try to ride to the side. Adopt a wide stance and go as fast as possible at a 45-degree angle down and across the debris flow. A marker on the map3. If you are near the top of the avalanche, try to self-arrest by digging your poles or hands into the bed surface. A marker on the map4. If you are near a tree, hug it tightly or shelter on the downhill side. A marker on the map5. If you are caught in the flow, remove your skis/board and poles. This will reduce the risk of injury. A marker on the map6. Activate your avalanche airbag, if you have one. A marker on the map7. Fight to stay afloat by swimming towards the surface. Push off blocks of snow to stay as close to the surface as possible. A marker on the map8. Brace against trees or other objects if possible. A marker on the map10. If an avalanche is coming towards you, ride away as quickly as you can towards to the side of the avalanche path. A marker on the map9. As the flow starts to slow, try to create an airspace by clearing snow in front of your mouth with one hand while reaching to the surface with the other. A marker on the map

Avalanche survival techniques for snowmobilers

Diagram of avalanche survival techniques for snowmobilers 1. A spotter with a radio should immediately broadcast "AVALANCHE!" to alert the group. A marker on the map2. If you are pointing uphill, ride off the slab to the nearest side at a 45-degree angle. In some case, riding straight up may be the best choice. A marker on the map3. If you are pointing downhill, get off the slab by turning off to the side. Don't try to outrun the slide because you are likely to get bucked off when you hit the waves of snow that form at the base of the avalanche. A marker on the map4. If you are thrown off your machine near the top of the slide, try to self-arrest by digging your hands and feet into the bed surface. A marker on the map5. If you are off your machine and near a tree, try to hug onto it or shelter on the downhill side. A marker on the map6. If you are caught in the flow, activate your avalanche airbag. A marker on the map7. Fight to stay afloat by swimming towards the surface. A marker on the map8. Brace yourself against a tree or other object, if possible. A marker on the map9. Try to prevent snow from entering your helmet. Try to create an airspace by clearing snow in front of your mouth with one hand, and reach towards the surface with the other. A marker on the map10. If an avalanche is coming towards you, fire up your sled and ride away as quickly as possible. Make sure you're ready to get away in a hurry. A marker on the map