Physics dictates that mortal man is no match for an avalanche. Dry slab avalanches, which account for most avalanche fatalities, can travel 60 to 80 mph, according to the Utah Avalanche Center Web site.
A cubic foot of snow, depending on moisture content, can weigh 10 to 15 pounds. It sets like concrete once an avalanche comes to a stop. Worse yet, a human body, which is about three times denser than snow, will sink into the avalanche debris. Given these factors, it is highly unlikely that an avalanche victim could dig himself or herself out of the snow.
Thus, outdoor enthusiasts must take steps to improve their odds of survival by wearing avalanche beacons, which can transmit and receive signals. They should also carry shovels and avalanche probes to help locate buried skiers in their party. This should be standard equipment for skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers who recreate in the backcountry. Avalanches killed more snowmobilers than skiers between 1995 and 2001, with snowmobilers comprising 33 percent of avalanche deaths, according to UVC.
When someone is caught in an avalanche, the first few moments are critical. Victims should try to grab a tree, which is highly difficult because of the speed of the avalanche. In fact, a quarter of avalanche victims die from trauma due to striking trees or rocks.
Another recommendation is to attempt to "swim" one's way out of an avalanche. This is important because the body will otherwise sink in the snow.
People caught in avalanches should attempt to clear an air space in front of their mouths. Although avalanche debris has a good deal of breathable air in it, many avalanche victims succumb to carbon-dioxide poisoning.
Medical technology has improved to the point that the lives of some avalanche victims can be saved. Recently, an 11-year-old Park City boy survived being buried in an avalanche for 33 minutes. The boy had no pulse and was not breathing when his body was recovered by rescuers last Sunday. CPR was administered and the boy was breathing on his own by the time he was flown by medical helicopter to Primary Children's Medical Center for to treatment, which included placing the patient in a hypothermic state to help minimize brain damage from oxygen depravation. He was released from the hospital Wednesday.
Most importantly, outdoor enthusiasts need to read avalanche advisories and heed the warnings. It's potentially life-saving information. Go to www.avalanche.org for more information about conditions and ongoing educational efforts.