AVALANCHE SAFETY

In an average winter in the western United States, about 100,000 avalanches will tumble down mountainsides. This is why you should always stay on a path and try not to ever venture in the backcountry. In the United States and Canada crashing walls of white will tumble over about 300 people. Most will be skiers, snowboarders, or snowmobilers who set out to have fun. Many will be buried by snow. Most will survive, although some will not.

SAFETY FIRST:

• Never travel alone!
• Heed warning signs in avalanche-prone areas.
• Stay alert in backcountry areas.
• Travel single file, not side by side in the backcountry.

ALWAYS CARRY SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

• Make sure you have a long probe, small shovel and always carry an emergency avalanche rescue beacon that signals your location.

IF YOU GET CAUGHT:

• Try to get to the side of it.
• If you can't, grab a tree as an anchor.

IF YOU GET SWEPT AWAY:

• "Swim" with the slide to stay as close to the surface as you can. I know this sounds weird, but this could save your life.

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