Comments on: How to Survive an Avalanche

By: R2

R2 — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:18:24 +0000

Personally, if I ever get caught in an avalanche by the time it stops I’m not likely to have anything left in my bladder to determine “up”. I want a Michelin Man suit, or one of these:
http://www.gizmag.com/helite-airbag-skiing/26190/

By: Dan

Dan — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:46:16 +0000

Here in Montana, we’ve had several avalanche deaths in the past several weeks. Amazingly, 4 days after the death of its owner, a resourceful Welsh Corgi showed up at the ski lodge where they had been staying. Apparently this isn’t that uncommon – another skier followed the dog’s tracks back to its hole in the avalanche, where it had dug itself out over several days.

By: Kevan

Kevan — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:30:26 +0000

Speaking of Avalanche safety, I just got back from a back-country survival trip over new years.

Awesome article, excellent information here.

By: Stefan

Stefan — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:19:59 +0000

How do you shovel snow without chopping poor guy’s head under it off?

By: azz

azz — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 14:22:26 +0000

do not spit to find out the direction, simply take a piss. It works better

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 02:57:13 +0000

” 25 more than have ever been killed by a Yeti.”– oh, really? Are you sure?

By: Ash Bhardwaj

Ash Bhardwaj — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 01:37:48 +0000

This is a great post. Very timely too

By: The Dutch Dastard

The Dutch Dastard — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:27:39 +0000

@Jordan

There is a way to tell which way is up. It may sound disgusting, but we’re talking about survival. The way to go is to urinate (a Mr. Grylls might argue that you get a nice drink out of it too!). Your urine will drizzle down, informing you which way is up. Don’t be hasty though, because initially you will feel only warmth. Give your urine a little time to come down.

Happy surviving everyone!

By: Climber

Climber — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:50:24 +0000

The “swimming” technique is considered somewhat outdated actually. The issue is that you can breathe through snow, not ice. You MUST, attempt to keep your hands close to your face. This is so that when the avalanche sets, you can claw at the snow in front of your mouth slowly. This prevents it from forming an “ice mask” that will suffocate you. Aside from that, the trauma is usually extreme for many people, and it isn’t uncommon for arms and legs to become shattered- which is less likely if you keep your arms and legs close to your body.

By: Eug

Eug — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:31:57 +0000

fat snow can be like an extreme art.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rihMXwLhg9o&feature=related