Snow Formation and Avalanches : Page 218


Silence should be maintained in order to hearwarning shouts or the first sounds of an avalanche.

10) Before crossing a dangerous slope, the leader ofthe party should make certain that all members understand how to conduct themselves during an avalanche.

Conduct During an Avalanche

When actually caught in an avalanche, it is vitally important that one avoid becoming buried. This can best be done by lying on the back (or stomach according to some authorities) with feet downhill and by maintaining a powerful swimming motion, being careful to keep the

feet high, to avoid being tripped and rolled over head foremost. To accomplish this, it is obvious that one must have first removed his skis, poles, and pack before becoming caught in the full sweep of the avalanche. The importance of removing this equipment cannot be overemphasized.

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