(tense electronic music) (computer keys clicking)
- [Narrator] An average of 27 people in the U.S.
die every year from avalanches.
The saddest part is that the victims are actually the ones
triggering the avalanches in the first place.
Avalanches are one of the most powerful forces
of nature humans ever come across.
In seconds, they can sweep trains off their tracks,
uproot trees and collapse entire buildings.
They can also bury unsuspecting backcountry travelers
under feet of snow but there are some tricks
you can learn to make sure that slope won't be your last.
The number one way to avoid getting caught in an avalanche?
It's pretty obvious: steer clear of places
where avalanches happen, namely snow-capped mountains
with steep slopes, specifically,
slopes between 30 and 45 degrees.
But if you insist on climbing Everest or skiing in Aspen,
then your first rule of thumb should always be to check
the daily avalanche forecast.
Most avalanches happen right after a heavy snowstorm,
especially a windy one.
Winds can packed the snow in more tightly,
creating a strong dense layer of snow on top
but you can't predict an avalanche by this layer alone.
The real threat is what lies underneath.
If the underlying layer of snow is weaker than the top,
all it takes is the right amount of pressure.
(loud rumbling) Oomph.
That's the first thing you hear.
It's the weak layer collapsing under your added weight
like a house of cards, may even see cracks form
in the slab of snow around you.
If you can, try to get off the slab
since that's what will be tumbling downhill
in a few milliseconds, but if you're unable to escape,
try grabbing onto a nearby tree.
No trees?
then you're going to go for a ride, but don't lose hope.
Immediately cover your mouth to prevent snow
from getting into it and hope you don't crash into anything.
Being in an avalanche is like being caught
in a violent ocean wave.
Over 70% of deaths occur because the person can't breathe.
That's why it's imperative that you try to keep your head
above the swelling cloud of snow around you.
This moment right here could make the difference
between life and death.
Don't worry too much about form,
thrashing, kicking, breaststroke,
whatever keeps you near the surface.
And contrary to popular belief,
if you're wearing a backpack, hold onto it.
The second highest risk of death
is trauma from hitting a tree, boulder
or other stationary object at a high speed.
Keep your backpack on and you have an extra cushion
behind you for protection.
After the snow settles, there's not much
you can do but wait for rescue.
This isn't like the snow you're used to.
Once it stops, the consistency will feel like cement.
It's nearly impossible to dig out of.
Your biggest concern now is breathing,
which will not be easy and could even backfire on you.
While snow is often porous, your warm breath
can temporarily melt the snow that's in front of your face.
And under the cold conditions,
the water will likely refreeze into ice, which is not good.
What you're left with is a layer of ice
that basically seals you in with the CO2 you're exhaling.
You might as well take a plastic bag over your head.
To avoid suffocating, try to punch your hand to the surface.
This offers a clear signal to rescuers
and if you can wiggle it around, creates
an air shaft for you to breathe.
Statistics show that you have the best chance of survival
if you're rescued within about 15 minutes.
After 20 minutes, your chances dropped to about 30%.
Thanks to advanced technology, there are ways
you can drastically improve your odds.
Attach an avalanche beacon to yourself
before you even go into the backcountry.
Rescuers can use it to track you down.
Also consider wearing an air backpack
\which can keep you when it's in an avalanche.
Even with these tools, safety isn't guaranteed,
so be smart about when and where you choose to climb.
(tense electronic music)
(wind whistling)