How to search for an avalanche victim?
Have you just bought an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel, and a probe in preparation for incredible ski touring or freeride adventures? But do you actually know how to use them properly?
For this avalanche search exercise, we have set up a controlled area simulating a snow-covered avalanche zone, where we have hidden a transceiver inside a backpack.
The goal here is to demonstrate how to locate the transceiver as quickly as possible and to practice this exercise so that you are fully prepared and efficient when the time comes. This step is essential before heading out on a ski touring, splitboarding, or freeride session.
First action to take:
Switch all group members' avalanche beacons to search mode. It is crucial not to forget any device, as this would completely disrupt the search operation.
Note: The search can be conducted on foot or on skis. If the snow is deep, it is best to stay on skis to avoid sinking too much and wasting time and energy unnecessarily.
Once the transceiver is switched to search mode, there are two possible scenarios:
- Either the transceiver does not pick up any signal
- Or the transceiver detects a signal and indicates a direction to follow
If the transceiver does not receive a signal:
This means the victim is out of range of the searching transceiver. In this case, you need to begin the Signal Search. This is Phase 1 of the victim search process.
Phase 1: Signal Search
The signal search involves moving across the avalanche debris following an S-shaped pattern from one side of the avalanche path to the other. Ensure you are never more than 25 metres from the left or right edges. Each S-shaped pass can be spaced at twice the transceiver’s range, typically up to 50 metres apart. Start from the top of the avalanche path, zigzagging downwards. As soon as the transceiver picks up a signal, proceed to Phase 2.
Phase 2: Coarse Search
The beacon now indicates a direction to follow along with an estimated distance. The frequency of the beeping sound will also change, increasing as you get closer to the victim. If the arrow changes direction, follow it and ensure the displayed distance continues to decrease.
When you reach approximately 3-4 metres, lower the transceiver close to the snow surface, extending your arm fully to improve detection accuracy. Continue following the arrow and reducing the indicated distance until you find the closest point above the victim.
If the distance on the transceiver starts increasing again, you have passed the victim's location. At this point, begin a grid search by sweeping the area along two perpendicular axes, keeping the transceiver oriented in the same direction. By systematically scanning the area and observing the lowest distance reading on the transceiver, you can pinpoint the exact location of the victim.
Once identified, take out your probe, assemble it, and insert it perpendicularly to the snow slope at the marked spot.
Phase 3: Probing
Begin probing at the identified point. If the probe hits a soft mass, this indicates contact with the victim. If no contact is made, expand the probing area following a spiral pattern, moving the probe approximately 20 cm at a time, starting from above.
Once the victim's exact location is confirmed, take out your shovel, assemble it, and extend the handle.
Phase 4: Shovelling
If the rescue team consists of multiple people, it is essential to appoint a leader quickly to avoid unnecessary discussion and time loss. The leader designates a primary digger who can use their shovel in pick mode if available, while secondary diggers work behind to remove the displaced snow further away.
The secondary shovelling is done using a paddling motion, allowing the snow to slide away efficiently without wasting energy lifting it.
If the victim is buried deep, the designated leader must ensure to rotate team members frequently, as the primary digging role is the most exhausting.
Once the victim is reached, clear the head and airways as quickly as possible, taking extra care when uncovering the face.
Reminder: Survival chances under an avalanche depend primarily on the time spent under. ANENA indicates a 90% survival rate for burials lasting less than 15 minutes. Beyond this critical window, survival rates drop dramatically.
As you can see, carrying the essential trio of transceiver, shovel, and probe is the absolute minimum for venturing in the backcountry. But even more important is knowing how to use your mountain safety kit effectively and practising regularly in different scenarios with varying numbers of victims.
It is also crucial to check the weather forecast and understand how to interpret an avalanche bulletin. And most importantly, knowing when to turn back if conditions are too dangerous.