1. If you are caught in an avalanche
a) Try to retain skis and poles
b) Remain silent but wave your arms around about so others can see you
c) Try to swim in order to remain on the surface
d) Keep your arms at your side as the avalanche comes to rest
c.
2. Arrange the following steps in order of priority for sole survivors of a backcountry avalanche accident where help is one hour away.
a. ____ go for help
b. ____ Probe slide with ski pole or ski for buried victim
c. ____ Mark last-seen point
d. ____ Initiate transceiver search
e. ____ Conduct a thorough search, probing all possible areas
1. c.
2. d.
3. e.
4. b.
5. a.
3. List the 10 essentials to have on any backcountry, plus 3 essentials to have when traveling into avalanche terrain.
Map
Compass
Headlamp
Extra Food and Water
Extra Clothes
Sunglasses/Goggles
First-Aid Kit
Pocket Knife
Waterproof matches/lighter or even a small stove
Firestarter
extras/ shelter, bivy sack, sleeping bag, avalung, abs pack
Avalanche essentials
shovel
probe
transceiver
4. When caught in an avalanche, you should yell to alert partners you are caught. True or False?
True
5. A partner is caught in an avalanche. After how many minutes do his chances of being recovered alive drop off substantially?
a) 5 minutes
b) 10 minutes
c) 15 minutes
d) 20 minutes
c.
6. _____ percent of avalanche victims die due to trauma.
25 percent
7. If buried, victims die by suffication. True or False?
False, victims die by asphyxiation
8. If wearing a transceiver, most buried recreationalists are recovered alive. True or False?
False. Only 32% of victims are recovered.
9. The best way to survive an avalanche is ____________________.
to avoid being caught in the first place.
10. If a partner gets caught in an avalanche, what should you immediately do?
Watch the victim. If they disappear below the surface, mark where you last saw them. This is where you will start your beacon search.
