Is it possible to survive an avalanche

Avalanche beacons are radio transceivers that pinpoint where you are. They are simple and easy to use. Everyone heading out for the day wears a transceiver and turns it on before leaving the house. Then you can use a probe, a collapsible fiberglass pole like a tent rod, to determine the location and the depth of where a person is buried under the snow.

Once located, you can use your third tool — a shovel — to expeditiously free your friend. Appropriate training to learn more about identifying dangerous conditions and using the equipment is available for beginners and professionals alike. For beginners, Avalanche. There are many educational opportunities for those who want to learn more, including finding upcoming workshops and courses on the Avalanche.

Even if you check your local forecast, have the appropriate gear, and are trained for surviving an avalanche, there is still a possibility that you will find yourself looking up at a fast-moving wall of snow. However, there is something you can do if you find yourself in the path of a reasonably large avalanche.

Try to orient your feet downhill so that your lower body, not your head, takes most of the impact. You may also get into a tight ball as another way to protect your head. Be a Beacon You can take one huge step toward survival before you ever set foot on a mountain. Reach for the Sky This may be easier said than done, but try to keep one arm above your head as the avalanche tosses you around.

Remain Calm The natural instinct for anyone buried by an avalanche is to get pretty nervous, but if you can keep your head, you can stay alive. Subscribe to our Newsletter! Veteran mountain weather and avalanche forecaster Scott Toepfer also warns of blue-sky syndrome.

We've got some fresh snow. Let's go ride! And when you do go out into the mountains, do not forget to bring an avalanche beacon with you. These beacons work like radios: they transmit frequencies and can alert other beacon carriers to your exact location.

Having a beacon could make all the difference between life and death as you wait for rescue. By Elizabeth Preske March 09, Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team.

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