Mountain Terrain, Weather, and Hazards

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26 July 2012

Swim or roll to stay on tope of the snow. FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE. Work toward the edge of
the avalanche. If you feel your feet touch the ground, give a hard push and try to “pop out” onto
the surface.
If your head goes under the snow, shut your mouth, hold your breath, and position your hands
and arms to form an air pocket in front of your face. Many avalanche victims suffocate by
having their mouths and noses plugged with snow.
When you sense the slowing of the avalanche, you must try your hardest to reach the surface.
Several victims have been found quickly because a hand or foot was sticking above the surface.
When the snow comes to rest it sets up like cement, and even if you are only partially buried, it
may be impossible to dig yourself out. Don’t shout unless you hear rescuers immediately above
you; in snow, no one can hear you scream. Don’t struggle to free yourself—you will only waste
energy and oxygen.
Try to relax. If you feel yourself about to pass out, do not fight it. The respiration of an
unconscious person is more shallow, and the pulse rate and body temperature are lower. All of
these factors reduce the amount of oxygen needed. (See Appendix C for information on search
and rescue techniques.)

TC 3-97.61

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