![\"Avalanche](\"https:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Avalanche_on_Everest.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Your best bet with an avalanche is to not be there when it happens.\u00a0 If you are too adventurous to avoid the possibility, there are some pieces of equipment that can save your life if you get caught. \u00a0Typically these include:<\/p>\n
![\"Avalanche](\"https:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/toolkit.jpg\")
<\/a>a transceiver (beacon)<\/a> so that rescuers can find you under the snow<\/li>\nYou can buy these items individually or in a kit<\/a>.<\/p>\n ABS System Before Release<\/p><\/div>\n A newer safety tool that is rapidly becoming more commonly used is the avalanche airbag or airbag system (ABS). \u00a0Typically it comes with a specially constructed backpack that can also hold the other equipment you need\u00a0with you when skiing or snowshoeing in mountainous\u00a0backcountry, like the equipment listed above. \u00a0\u00a0The airbag itself is much like an inflatable personal flotation device you might use when canoeing or kayaking. \u00a0It has a couple of bladders that are immediately filled with air from a can that is opened when you pull a ripcord-like release.<\/p>\n If you are caught in an avalanche, you immediately pull the cord and the bladders inflate. \u00a0Unlike a flotation device, an ABS is intended to make you bigger. \u00a0In the water, buoyancy brings you to the top; in an avalanche, its granular convection that does the job. \u00a0Larger objects tend to rise to the surface of an avalanche so you want to be as large as possible if you start off on an avalanche ride.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ABS After Inflation<\/p><\/div>\n Before the ABS system expands, it looks much like a normal day pack. \u00a0The example shown here\u00a0is a\u00a0North Face Patrol 24 ABS Avalanche Airbag Pack<\/a>. \u00a0It holds 24 liters plus the airbag system, including a nitrogen canister that is used to fill the bag. \u00a0It also has a special body harness to help keep the system attached to your body during your ride. \u00a0It weighs a total of about 6.6 pounds, before you fill it with gear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When triggered, the bags immediately expand to nearly double the size of your body. It may look a little odd, but you won’t mind a bit if you need to use it. \u00a0Notice the bright color of the bags. \u00a0this is intended to help you be seen during and after your ride down the mountain.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As with\u00a0most outdoor gear, designers are continually improving on the concept. \u00a0A recent development is the external ABS. \u00a0These systems, like\u00a0The North Face Modulator<\/a>, attach to the outside of almost any pack. \u00a0That gives you considerably more freedom in your choice of backpack while still offering the advantages of an airbag system.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Airbag systems certainly improve your chances of survival in the case of a mountainside accident, but they don’t always work. \u00a0Sometimes the user is unable to pull the trigger on the system due to the speed at which these things can happen. \u00a0Sometimes the equipment fails – the systems are not perfect either. \u00a0Sometimes the avalanche is just too massive. \u00a0Depending upon where you get your data, survival with a ABS\u00a0runs \u00a0from 95% \u00a0to 97%. \u00a0However, survival with no ABS at all runs 80% to 90%. \u00a0As with most things, you get to decide the level of risk you wish to accept.<\/p>\n It’s not too hard to fall down a mountain, even if there is no avalanche. \u00a0This video shows what happened to\u00a0Ian McIntosh, a veteran skier as he tumbles\u00a01600 feet down a mountain. \u00a0He has a microphone on so you can hear him as he falls. \u00a0He did bring some snow down with him, but it doesn’t seem to be much of an avalanche. \u00a0Nonetheless, his airbag system prevented serious damage to his body leaving him banged up, but not broken.<\/p>\nAirbag Systems<\/h1>\n
![\"ABS](\"https:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/closedbag225.jpg\")
<\/a>Before Triggering<\/h3>\n
![\"ABS](\"https:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/openbag225.jpg\")
<\/a>After Triggering<\/h3>\n
Continual Improvement<\/h3>\n
Beware<\/h3>\n
Falling Down a Mountain<\/h1>\n
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