TIPS AND TRICKS Surviving Avalanches: A Camper’s Guide

Natural disasters may not be within our control, but we can always weather the strongest storm if we arm ourselves with knowledge and skills. Whether you’re camping with a group or not, preparing for the worst-case scenarios can help you survive even the most extreme weather conditions. In this edition, we have prepared a guide to surviving avalanches when you are on your trails.

What you need to know about landslides and avalanches

Surviving landslides and avalanches is never as easy as it seems. Moving at speeds that can reach up to 80 mph, avalanches can put your life in danger in the blink of an eye. In addition to dirt and snow falling downhill, sharp rocks and debris can also fall downhill, obliterating everything in its path.

In fact, these natural calamities are lethal. In the worst case, you can be buried alive in the ground. Basically, the best way to survive an avalanche or mudslide is to not camp in the event of a potential threat. Before you pack your bags, check the weather reports and ask the local rangers about the probability of a landslide or avalanche. If the weather is bad, reschedule your camping plans.

Surviving avalanches and landslides

With early preparation and awareness, survival doesn’t have to be a million light-years away. Remember, as a camper, getting out of your campsite alive should never be just an option. If you are caught in a landslide or avalanche, here are some of the things you should do:

• Choose your campsite wisely: Before you go camping, study your location and identify the most ideal places to camp. Never camp near the bottom of a hill or steep slope. Also, don’t pitch your tent near the edges of the top of a slope.
• Stay clear of the center of a slope: An avalanche typically moves toward the center of a slope as it moves downhill. Therefore, when hiking, always stay away from the center of the slope so that you can increase your chances of surviving landslides and avalanches.
• Hold on to a tree: Since avalanches can move at maximum speeds, running away would not be a good decision. Instead, find a large tree and grab its branches.
• Swimming uphill: In case you get caught in an avalanche, swim uphill so you don’t get buried deep in soil, snow, and debris. Paddle as hard as you can and do your best to keep your head above the ground.
• Keep calm: If you can’t keep your head above the ground, stay calm and put your hand over your mouth. This will give you plenty of room to breathe. Relax and do deep breathing exercises.
• Highlight any item: If you cannot move your head or body, pull a tree branch or small piece of wood above the ground so that the rescue team can locate you immediately.

Surviving avalanches and landslides is not child’s play. However, if you have the will to survive, no calamity can keep you underground.