Every year more than 100 people worldwide are killed by avalanches. Over the last 10 years about 40 people annually have been killed in North America alone. The victim is usually the cause of the avalanche, the final catalyst in an avoidable fatality. Here’s a safety talk on avalanche safety you can deliver to your workers.

Avalanches are highly unpredictable. More than 70 percent of avalanche victims die of suffocation as heavy, densely packed snow forces air from their lungs. If a victim is not recovered within 30 minutes, chance of survival quickly decreases.

For example, a snowmobiler was buried and killed after triggering an avalanche. He had turned and was descending the mountain but did not see the avalanche above him. He was found buried four feet (more than one meter) deep near his machine.

Are You at Risk?

Most avalanche victims are skiers and snowmobilers, typically males 20-30 years old. Those with occupations such as railroad and forestry worker or outdoor guide are at risk, too. In fact, anyone is in danger whose recreation or job brings him close to an avalanche area. Travelers on roads and highways in these areas are also in danger.

What will increase the chance of an avalanche?

• Winter months, December-April, with January to March being the time of greatest danger,
• A heavy snowfall within 24 hours,
• A current or recent snowfall of more than six inches,
• Overhanging snow on the side of the mountain protected from wind,
• A hill slope of 30-45 degrees or less,
• Slopes facing north to east, and
• Seeing fracture lines or hearing a "cracking" sound.

How to Protect Yourself

It’s best to avoid areas with high avalanche possibilities. If you must be there, here are 7 ways to lessen the risks:

1. Carry essential gear—shovel, probe and transmitter—and know how to use it.
2. Travel in a group, but cross the avalanche area one at a time.
3. Know the weather conditions.
4. Periodically test the layers beneath the snow surface for stability.
5. Heed avalanche warnings or risk codes.
6. Avoid interfering with avalanche control crews.
7. Travel across the avalanche risk area as quickly as possible, whether on the highway or in back country.

If you do caught in an avalanche:

1. Yell and let go of your ski poles.
2. Try to stay near the surface of the snow by using swimming motions.
3. If you're near the surface when the avalanche stops; stick out an arm or a leg to help rescuers find you quickly.
4. If you’re buried beneath the snow, use your hands and arms to punch an air pocket in front of your face. Do this fast! You’ve only a few seconds before the snow hardens.
5. As you punch the air pocket, take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds. This may not be possible after the snow sets.
6. Don’t panic. By keeping calm, you’ll be able to preserve your air space and conserve energy.

Conclusion

A naturally caused avalanche is dangerous and poses a risk to anyone close by, but it’s the avalanche unintentionally triggered by a worker or skier that is most likely to take a life.

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