The avalanche will eventually stop, and it gets real quiet, real fast. Like that awkward pause after you tell a bad joke at a dinner party. The snow sets up like concrete, so if you’re buried, you have to act immediately before it hardens.
7 Tips For Avalanche Survival | ShadowFox
As you’re tumbling, punch one arm straight up toward the sky. This might sound stupid, but it creates an air pocket and marks your location for rescuers. It’s like raising your hand in class, except the teacher is a rescue dog, and the class is a cold, dark tomb.
Create an Air Pocket
If you feel the snow stopping, cup your hands over your mouth and nose to make a little breathing bubble. This buys you precious minutes. Snow is heavy—like sleeping under twenty wet blankets while someone stands on your chest. That air pocket is your lifeline.
Now, do not scream. It wastes oxygen, and snow absorbs sound like a sponge. You’ll sound like a mouse whispering under a pillow. Instead, listen for rescuers and breathe slowly to conserve air. Think calm thoughts, like you’re waiting for a pizza that’s taking too long.