Avalanches
Thousands of avalanches occur in Canada each year. They happen in all regions of Canada, but are more frequent in the mountains of British Columbia, Yukon and Alberta. Avalanches can be triggered by wind, rain, warming temperatures, snow and earthquakes. They can also be triggered by skiers, snowmobiles, hikers, vibrations from machinery or construction.
If you become caught in an avalanche, you should:
- Push machinery, equipment or heavy objects away from you to avoid injury.
- Grab onto anything solid to avoid being swept away.
- Keep your mouth closed and your teeth clenched.
- If you start moving downward with the avalanche, stay on the surface using a swimming motion.
- Try to move yourself to the side of the avalanche.
When the avalanche slows, you should:
- Push yourself towards the surface.
- Make an air pocket in front of your face using one arm.
- Push the other arm towards the surface.
When the avalanche stops, you should:
- Dig yourself out, if possible.
- Relax your breathing, particularly if you cannot dig yourself out.
- Stay calm and shout only when a searcher is near.
