Avoid being caught
AVALANCHE CHECKLIST
TOP SIX FACTORS
1. Visible avalanche activity. If you see avalanche activity on a slope where you intend to go, go somewhere else.
2. New snow build-up. More than 2 cm/hr may produce unstable conditions. More than 30cm continuous build-up is regarded as very hazardous. 90% OF ALL AVALANCHES OCCUR DURING SNOWSTORMS.
3. Slab lying on ice or neve, with or without aggravating factors such as thaw.
4. Discontinuity between layers, usually caused by loose graupel pellets or airspace.
5. Sudden temperature rise. The nearer this brings the snow temperature to 0 degrees C, the higher the hazard, even if thaw does not occur.
6. Feels unsafe. The "seat of the pants" feeling of the experienced observer deserves respect.
Travel in hazard areas
It is rarely essential to negotiate an avalanche-prone slope. It is usually possible to find another way, or retreat. 90% OF ALL AVALANCHES INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS ARE TRIGGERED BY THEIR VICTIMS. If it is essential to proceed, the following should be borne in mind
- Solo travellers in avalanche terrain run particularly grave hazards.
- Skiers are in greater danger than walkers - the lateral cutting action of skis readily releases unstable snow. All off-piste skiers should use avalanche transceivers and have them SWITCHED ON before leaving base. They should carry collapsible probes and shovels. Climbers and walkers should also consider the use of these items.
- Direct descent or ascent is safer than traversing.
- Go one at a time - the others should closely observe the progress of the person on the suspect slope.
- Close up clothing. Wrap scarf or other item around mouth and nose.
- Belay if possible. This is rarely feasible on wide, open slopes.
If caught
In most avalanche situations, any defensive action is very difficult. Movement relative to the debris is often impossible. However, some of the following may be useful.
- Try to delay departure by plunging ice axe into the undersurface. This may help to keep you near the top of the slide.
- Shout. Others may see you.
- Try to run to the side, or jump up slope above the fracture.
- If hard slab, try to remain on the top of a block.
- Get rid of gear, sacks, skis etc.
- Try to roll like a log off the debris.
- Swimming motions sometimes help.
- As the avalanche slows down, you may be able to get some purchase on the debris. Make a desperate effort to get to the surface, or at least get a hand through.
If buried
- Keep one hand in front of your face and try to clear/maintain an air space.
- Try to maintain space for chest expansion by taking and holding a deep breath.
- Try to avoid panic and conserve energy. Your companions are probably searching for you.
Avalanche rescue
If you witness an avalanche burial:
- Observe the victim's progress and if possible mark the point of entry and point at which last seen.
- Check for further avalanche danger.
- Make a QUICK SEARCH of the debris surface.
- LOOK for any signs of the victim.
- LISTEN for any sounds.
- PROBE the most likely burial spots.
- Make a SYSTEMATIC SEARCH, probing the debris with axes or poles.
- Send for help.
- KEEP SEARCHING until help arrives.
- REMEMBER, YOU ARE THE BURIED VICTIM'S ONLY REAL CHANCE OF LIVE RESCUE. Although survival chances decline rapidly with duration of burial, they do not reach zero for a long time.
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