Could You Survive A Lake Tahoe Avalanche?

By: Aaron Robbins

Between 1950 and 1997 there were 514 reported avalanche fatalities in the United States.

While your chances of being caught in an avalanche inside the marked boundaries of any Lake Tahoe ski resort are extremely slim, it’s impossible to say for sure when and where an avalanche will occur. Recent research on the subject of avalanches has led to solid information and techniques on avalanche survival. Whether you plan to head for the Tahoe back country or not I think it’s information everyone venturing into the snow covered mountains should have.

Tip 1: Avoid Avalanche Areas
The first and most obvious tip is to simply avoid avalanche prone areas. Back country and “out of bounds” skiers should be familiar with what avalanche prone areas look like (wind loading, fractures, crunchy hollow sounding snow, slope orientation and steepness) and do their best to avoid them.

Tip 2: Get Equipped

Most avalanche deaths are caused by suffocation. It’s imperative you equip yourself to be rescued before this occurs. Make sure you have a properly fitting ski suit on that is fastened to prevent snow from getting inside. Carry a avalanche beacon and make sure it is set to “transmit” rather then “receive”. If you are carrying a pack it should be loose fitting and able to be ditched at a moments notice. As a rescuer it is crucial that you have ski-pole probes and collapsible shovels.

Tip 3. Surviving The Slide

So you’re in an avalanche. What do you do?

• » First: Initially you want to scream and yell to let everyone know where you are. As the slide builds, stop screaming and start focusing on the below.
• » Second: Get rid of your pack, poles or any gear that is pulling you to the bottom of the slide.
• » Third: As the snow overtakes you make swimming motions to lift yourself upwards towards the surface of the slide. Fight to stay on top.
• » Fourth: As the slide comes to a stop use your hands and arms to create a pocket of air around your mouth. Take a deep breath to make your body as wide as possible. The snow will set and harden around you so making a pocket for yourself is critical.
• » Fifth: Determine if you are near the top of the slide by trying to raise one arm (or leg) out of the snow.
• » Sixth: Remain calm. Fight the urge to panic and only yell out when you can hear other people. Snow is a great insulator and rescuers are not likely to hear a scream unless they are very close.

Tip 4: Ask These Questions

• » What have the weather conditions been over the past few days?
• » Has their been recent heavy snows?
• » Is there any wind loading on the slopes?
• » Do you know what wind loading looks like?
• » Have your performed a snow pit or shear test?
• » Are there fracture lines, bowls, gullies or valleys?
• » Are their signs of recent slides?
• » Is there a safer way down?

Keep in mind that avalanches are most likely to happen during or immediately after a storm where there has been significant snowfall. While the 24 hours following a heavy snowstorm are the most dangerous know one can predict exaclty when or where an avalanche will or will not occur. If you are heading into the Lake Tahoe backcountry be carefule. Keep these tips in mind and never, never go alone.

**Alpine Skills Institute, which services the Lake Tahoe area, offers Avalanche safety classes. Before you go into the back country get some qualified professional instruction. http://www.alpineskills.com/cat_avalanche.html

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