What if I get caught in a Snow Avalanche? If you are caught in an Avalanche or see one above or beside you that could endanger you, follow these procedures to avoid beingcaught or buried

1. Call out Loudly (This warns others in your party and ensures they know you are in danger.)
2. Attempt to SKI OR DRIVE TO SAFETY (Or at least towards the edge of the Avalanche.)
3. Discard Poles, Pack and Skies (Equipment will pull you down, especially skis and poles. Remember that you won't try to swim in water with a pack on so don't try to swim in snow.)
4. Grab at Trees or Rocks (If you can do it at an early stage this may help.)
5. Swim to Stay on the Surface (Use a swimming and rolling motion to stay near the surface, try to keep your head up slope (upstream) and your feet down slope (downstream).
6. Keep your Mouth Closed (To avoid getting a snow block in your mouth and suffocating.)

Article by Bruce Zawalsky (Dec 1st, 1998)
Chief Instructor of the Boreal Wilderness Institute

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