Avalanche Awareness
Travel with considerate partners:
•
Cross potentially dangerous terrain one at a time.
•
Identify and practice stopping in safe zones.
•
Have an escape route in mind if the slope does avalanche.
•
Communicate with your partners before moving on to the slope.
When traveling in a group, be aware of the errors groups typically
make:
•
Recreating at an area that's been visited without incident before
and feeling confident in its stability.
•
Not speaking out or communicating concerns about a path
or slope, fearing conflict.
•
Being overconfident in the groups' abilities.
•
Determination to reach a destination without re-evaluating terrain
and conditions.
If in doubt, it is always best to avoid questionable terrain and return
when the snow is stable.
If you are caught in an avalanche:
•
Yell "avalanche" and wave your arms to alert your group.
•
Deploy your avalanche airbag if you have one.
•
Try to escape the slide by grabbing trees or rocks or "swimming"
to the side.
•
Try to keep your airway clear of snow.
•
When you feel the slide slowing, thrust a hand upward in hopes
of it being seen.
•
Place your other hand in front of your face to increase the
air space.
•
Remain calm, breathe slowly and conserve your air.
Searching for victims:
•
Do not go for help! You are the victim's only chance of survival!
•
Establish a last seen point.
•
Confirm you are not in danger of a second avalanche occurring.
•
Look for visual clues to the victim's location.
•
Begin your signal search for the victim using your avalanche beacon.
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