Solo safety bulletin – surviving an avalanche

SOLO SAFETY BULLETIN – SURVIVING an AVALANCHE We have had a lot of snow this winter and the avalanche dangers are extremely high. We felt this was a good time to review how to survive and avalanche. Avalanche-related Deaths: In the USA, there is an average of 30 deaths per year. In Europe, there is an average or 120 deaths per year. Causes of Death in an Avalanche: Asphyxia accounts for about 90% of deaths. Trauma accounts for about 10% of deaths. Head trauma and cervical spine trauma are the most common cause of traumatic death in an avalanche. Risk of Death = The Risk is Hypoxia, Hypothermia, and Asphyxia. Increases with the depth of burial – how many feet under the snow pack. Increases with the time or duration of burial under the snow pack. Decreases with available air pockets within the snow pack. Principle #1: The primary principle to increase the chance of surviving an avalanche is to STAY ON TOP! Move sideways Jump upslope Carry an avalanche beacon – avalanche transceiver Grab something and hang on Swim to stay on top Get rid of anything heavy – anchors Create an air pocket Trail a rope – avalanche cord Urinate Locate up from down and push and arm up Be prepared – Take a course MOVE SIDEWAYS As the avalanche flows downhill, there is more depth of snow in the center of the avalanche than along the sides. The avalanche also moves faster towards the center. Moving towards the side will bring you into areas of less depth of snow that is moving slower than...
Source: Wilderness Medicine Newsletter - Category: Rural Health Authors: Tags: Avalanche Awareness Source Type: news