What To Do in Case
of an Avalanche
By Robert C. Etheredge
- Maintain control. Don't panic.
- Shout to members of your group to warn them and let them know where
you are.
- Get out of main path of avalanche. You cannot outrun an avalanche
which may move more than 50 mph.
- "Swim" through the snow towards the side of the flow.
- Keep your mouth closed to keep snow out.
- Remove skis, backpacks and other bulky equipment.
- If buried, hold hands in front of face and push out to make breathing
space. Move your head from side to side to make a breathing space.
- Don't try to dig out unless you can push one arm into the open air.
This effort will only waste your precious air.
- If traveling in avalanche conditions, consider carrying an avalanche
beacon to help rescuers.
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