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Avalanche Survival
| Introduction to Avalanches |
An avalanche is a fascinating and naturally occuring phenomenon that is caused by unstable snow conditions. Since it is pratically impossible to predict where and when the next avalanche will occur, significant amounts of information such as weather forecasts and avalanche forecasts are provided for the winter sports enthusiasts to aid their understanding of avalanche dangers and potentially prevent one from occuring.
The following avalanche information is not to be accepted as a set of instructions, it is designed merely provide guidance for those who wish to go off piste, and facilitate informed decision-making. It is also worth noting that avalanches are not the only dangers of off-piste: natural obstacles such as crevasses, buried rocks or cliffs are also potential hazards. It is highly recommended that you take a mountain guide whilst venturing into unknown territory. |
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| Avalanches and Survival |
The survival chances for persons caught in avalanches are dependant on several factors. Fatal injuries may be sustained during the avalanche due to collisions with obstacles in the avalanche path or large cliff drops.
There is a lot of controversy about what to do if caught in an avalanche. Some say swim (since a person is about three times denser than moving avalanche debris) and others say roll however the most important thing is to keep the mouth free from snow especially when the snow comes to a stop. Survival chances are greatly enhanced is the victim is able to breath and is dug out fast. It is widely known that an avalanche victim pulled out of the snow after only 15-20 minutes is much more likely to survive than a victim that is pulled out after 30 minutes.
If the avalanche victim is not fortunate enough to have purchased avalanche equipment then it is important that when falling, the victim tries to get their hands in front of their face to make an air space as they are coming to a stop. An air-pocket is essential to survival. Data from the Swiss Avalanche Research Centre at Davos shows that approximately 75% of avalanche fatalities are due to asphyxia, 15 to 20% due to deadly trauma and 5 to 10% due to hypothermia and other factors. |
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last updated 22-Feb-2008 |
| How long can you live under the snow? |
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People die quickly from carbon dioxide poisoning because their carbon dioxide builds up in the snow around their mouths. Statistics show that about 90% of avalanche victims can be recovered alive if they are dug out within the first 5 minutes. However, after 45 minutes, only 20-30% are still alive - after two hours, almost no one is alive. |
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last updated 23-Feb-2008 |
| Before Heading Off Piste... |
Before you head off piste, here's a few things you should be thinking about:
- Take a course in avalanche awareness and practice the techniques learned. Henry's Avalanche Talk is one such way to find out more with regards avalanche safety and Mountain Tracks run several such courses in alpine resorts throughout the winter
- Look at the weather and avalanche forecasts for France / Switzerland, reviewing the degree of local avalanche risk also. Henry's Avalanche Talk produces a translation of current avalanche conditions in English and PisteHors.com is an excellent reference also
- Don’t ignore advice given by local mountain guides or others if advised to ski a certain path, or to keep a specific distance between fellow members in a group
- Plan the route carefully, evaluating all different options and assessing all elements of danger. Look at the timings for each route. Inform others of your route, and when you expect to arrive back
- Attach your transceiver properly to you and DON'T FORGET to turn it on, test the signal is working, and make sure you have all the necessary equipment. (A transceiver is of no use if the user has not been trained in its use, it is turned off, or it is in a rucksack - unless you want just your bag to be recovered.)
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last updated 23-Feb-2008 |
| Some Tips when Skiing or Boarding Off Piste |
- Ski or board one at a time. If there is a slope that you are nervous about, only one person at a time should go onto the slope. Whether crossing, or going up or down, do so one at a time while all others act as spotters from a safe location. Should an avalanche occur, there will be only one victim and lots of rescuers
- Avoid the centre. The greatest danger on any steep slope comes in the middle of it. Should an avalanche break, there is no escape route. Avoid the centre of open slopes. Cross it at the very top or bottom. Go up it or down along the edges. These positions give a much better chance to escape
- Stay on shallow slopes. Generally, it is possible to travel avalanche-free on slopes up to 25 degrees, and more than 95% of the time it is safe on slopes up to 30 degrees. To measure angles exactly, is it possible to purchase an inexpensive slope meter. However; be extra cautious wherever steeper slopes lie above shallow ones. Though avalanches won't start on shallow slopes, it is possible that an avalanche could be triggered above, placing individuals in harm's way
- Don’t travel alone. Whilst nothing may be as companionable as one's self, there is no greater way to increase an avalanche risk than travelling alone. There is no one to save you from partial or shallow burials.
- Practice, practice, practice your avalanche drill
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last updated 23-Feb-2008 |
| What should I do if I'm caught in an avalanche |
Depending on the situation there are a number of things that you should try to do:
First, once the snow starts moving, try to get off the snow that is breaking up as soon as possible. You can get out of an avalanche early if you are close to the fracture line or close to the edge (or flank) especially if the snow isn't too broken up. If you are close to one of these edges, do everything you can to move towards it. If the fracture line is just above you, try to allow the snow to move past you. For example, if you are on skis, side-step up, grab a tree, do whatever you possibly can. If the fracture line is way above you and you can't make it to the side fast, point your skis or snowboard downhill, say a prayer if you are so inclined, go like hell and try to get out of the way lower down.
There is a lot of controversy about what you should do if you are caught in the turning snow. First, see: 'What is it like to be caught in an avalanche?' above. Some say swim (since a person is about three times denser than moving avalanche debris) and others say roll. The most important thing is to keep your mouth free of snow especially when the snow comes to a stop; an air-pocket is essential to your survival in what amounts to a concrete tomb. It's almost impossible to dig yourself out of an avalanche. Most people suffocate within 15 minutes if they haven't actually been killed by the avalanche (approximately 10%). Before it stops, you can try pushing a hand upwards. Visual clues are the fastest way for rescuers to find you, but then, you may not be able to make an air-pocket.
For climbers... this whole scenario is horrific, especially when ice axes and people are attached to each other.
| These tips were provided by Henry Schniewind of Henry's Avalanche Talk - helping you make informed decisions. Henry's interest in avalanches started with a close call in the French Alps after which he went back to the United States to study avalanche forecasting and continue outdoor pursuits, but the obsession with Europe remained and pretty soon he returned to France. Henry is a fully certified ski instructor (French Diploma), has a degree in international business and over ten years of professional experience in the mountains. |
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last updated 23-Feb-2008 |
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