What to do if you are caught in an avalanche?

Question

No confusing or long answers please. =]

Answer 1

1.  Learn avalanche safety before you go out in the backcountry.

2. Take avalanche transceivers and probes with you (and know how to use them).

3.  IF you get caught: "swim" in the snow until ti stops and place your hands in front of your face to create a breathing space.  Then pray (silently and without panicking to avoid using up oxygen).

Answer 2

Try to stay on top of the slide by "swimming" also look for object that could stop you i.e. a tree, rocks. most of all try to avoid the slide all together. Know the snow before you go!

Answer 3

I don't think there is anything you could do.

Just pray

Answer 4

You can take avalanche classes. You should just try and ski to the side or out. If you are stuck under it create a little bubble for your head and to breath. Try and poke a hole through to the surface

Answer 5

If you're caught do your best to stay on top of the snow. Swim, kick your legs, flail your arms, etc.,  just move your limbs like mad to keep yourself up and the snow under you.  If you find yourself being overtaken, cover your face with your arms to do two things, 1) it provides some protection from trauma. 2) it creates a pocket of air to prolong how long you can stay buried.

If your caught you want to try and avoid trees and rocks, hitting them creates further injuries and the force of an avalanche will pull you away from them if you are trying to hold on.

Poking a hole through to the surface is near impossible depending on your body position and depth under the snow. The snow packs really tight, not much softer than concrete. If you are fully buried you wont be able to move.

Answer 6

Be prepared by skiing with a group with avi transceivers and know how to use them.  Also have avalanche probes and shovels with everyone in the party.

  If you are caught in an avalanche, all you can do is hope your friends can rescue you. The adage of 3 will help and that is all I can say in a short time.  Take an avalanche preparedness course or stay out of the danger zones.