Avalanche Survival

Avalanche survival is really an issue for the experienced snow sportsman. But how many actually take the time to learn about this danger? The tips we provide come in 4 areas: complete avoidance, calculated avoidance, avalanche survival, and avalanche rescue. We will start with some basic information about avalanches.

Avalanches are almost always triggered by the victim or someone in the victim's group. The most common fatalities happen among snowboarders, skiers, climbers, and snowboarders. By disturbing unstable snow a break is made and an avalanche forms in seconds. Keep in mind that the snow higher up touches the snow you are on, so your movements can trigger avalanches that are a little distance from you.

Instability in the snowpack is a necessary component. You may be on hardpack snow, but it may be resting on a softpack. Stong layers upon weak layers will sheer off as a slab. Wind creates the greatest instability; so be careful in windy conditions where the snow has been redistributed. Variable temperatures and recent snowfall also contribute to instability.

Most avalanches are dry slabs that have broken off all at once. Within seconds they will be traveling at 60 to 80 miles per hour. When the avalanche comes to a stop the snow will instantly solidify and the victim will be trapped.

The angle of the slope is another factor to consider. A minimum 25 degree slope is necessary for an avalanche to occur, but they are most likely between 35 and 45 degrees. Using a slopemeter you can quickly gauge the degree of slope.

Avalanche Survival by Complete Avoidance
Obviously if you never head out to the snow, you will never run into an avalanche, but that's not what we are referring to. Almost all avalanches occur in the backcountry. Most skiers and snowboarders stick to the commercial slopes, and that's where it's safe.

To avoid an avalanche just don't head out to the backcountry. If you do you should be an experienced skier, in a group of experienced skiers, all equipped and informed to survive an avalanche.

Avalanche Survival by Calculated Avoidance
Use your brain and avoid avalanche conditions; that's the idea here. Before heading into the backcountry you should have mapped out your trip, checked local conditions, talked to others about what they've seen on the mountain, and prepared your group.

As you head up the mountain, you should constantly be assessing safety conditions. When in doubt head back or change routes. Trek through heavily treed areas as the snow is less likely to break away.

Check the snowpack as you come to your destination. Create a 3 foot wall by digging out snow. Use your hand to determine how dense the layers are. Do a compression test by putting pressure on the top of the wall to see if it will hold up. The best test would be to create a platform by digging a trench 3 feet deep.

The platform should be large enough to hold one skier. That skier then tests the stability by jumping on the snowpack.

Cornices can also be tested for stability. Other than for testing, you should avoid them as they can be dangerous.

Avalanche Survival
If you want to enjoy the backcountry you should be experienced, informed of current conditions, and traveling with a group. If this does not describe your trip then you are taking a very real risk. Below is a list of items you should take with you in your backpack (we exclude the common snow gear) that will help you survive an avalanche.

• Avalanche Survival Beacon (transceiver)
• Avalanche Survival Probes
• Slopemeter
• Snow Shovel
• Snow Saw
• First Aid Kit
• Bivy or Tent and Sleeping Bag
• Map
• Compass
• GPS
• Rope
• Candle Lantern
• Waterproof Matches
• Binoculars
• Water

Download a free copy of this list! You will need Adobe Reader to open and read it. The reader is available for download here.

As a group check your beacons before heading out. Make sure everyone knows what to do and the risks involved.

Take turns as you ski down, and turn on your beacon before there is a problem.

If you are caught in an avalanche the first thing to attempt is to get off the slab. This is difficult but not impossible. If you're on skis try heading down slope to gain speed and then slide off at a 45 degree angle. If you're on a snowmobile use all the power it has and speed off either upwards or across - heading the same direction you were already going except downward.

If you cannot get away from the avalanche use a swimming motion to try and stay near the top. Get rid of your skis and poles if possible, as they may drag you down. Try to create a pocket of air in front of your face when you come to a stop. Realistically, you're just trying to do your best. But if part of your body is sticking out of the snow when you stop, your chances of survival are far greater.

If you are trapped below snow, your chances of avalance survival are pretty good during the first 15 minutes. After that your odds go way down. Try to relax and breathe normally. Panic will lead to heavy breathing and the carbon dioxide that you exhale is your worst enemy.

Your friends are your only real hope. The snow will have cemented you in, so unless you are partially above the snow, you won't be able to dig yourself out. Turn your beacon on if you haven't already. Your friends will need to locate you and dig you out.

Avalanche Rescue
When you witness an avalanche keep your eye on the victim and remember the last place you saw them; start your search there. Someone must assume the role of leadership and have everyone work together. Do not send for help; there is not enough time.

Turn on the avalanche survival beacons/tranceivers to locate your friend. Use shovels and snow saws to dig the him or her out. Work quickly; the first 15 minutes are critical.

Upon rescuing someone, check for broken bones. Treat for hypothermia and frostbite as appropriate. Set up bivys, tents, sleeping bags, makeshift shelters - whatever you have that can protect the victim from wind and further body heat loss. Once they are stable head for help.


Avalanche survival is all about preparation, teamwork, and thinking smart. Because most avalanches are caused by the victim or someone in the group they are avoidable. Only travel in the backcountry with a group of experienced snow sportsmen.

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