[ a v a l a n c h e s   :   d u r i n g   a n   a v a l a n c h e ]

Most avalanches are triggered by slight movements in snow, which let loose a flood of white snow that cascades down a mountainside until something stops its path of destruction. Avalanche victims often report hearing a soft whoosh before thousands of tons of snow come upon them down the mountain. Drowning in turbulent, tossing snow, one survivor said he felt like “pants in a dryer,” smashing into the hard snow at the bottom with every turn. Many victims are also found with their mouths full of snow, from gasping for air.

If you are ever caught in an avalanche:

• Don’t try to outrun an avalanche.
• Try to grab a tree or boulder. Even if you can’t hold on for very long, it can make the difference in how deeply you are buried.
• If there is nothing to hang on to, swim! Swimming motions usually keep the body toward the top of the snow.
• Don’t panic!
• Push one arm as high as possible overhead. This might alert rescuers to your position if you’re buried.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your other hand.
• If you lose sense of direction, spit. Whichever way the saliva runs is down.

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