Tips for skiing in deep snow after heavy snowfall

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado experienced a massive snowstorm that started on Tuesday and lasted all the way through Saturday morning. Some counties around the state even reported seeing over 50 inches of snow.

While the snow was the crux of many problems around the state causing road and building closures, power outages and dangerous driving conditions, there is at least one group of people who were likely thrilled with the downpour, skiers and snowboarders.

Plenty of new snow means plenty of opportunities to shred and with many ski resorts and ski areas opening for the season, it is prime time to be one of the first groups to get out on the slopes.

Most skiers will take to the groomed slopes in the ski areas but there are also those daredevils who prefer exploring the deep snow. With the storm Colorado saw, there should be a lot of snow to choose from.

Deep snow skiing can be thrilling but also offers many dangers, with some being potentially fatal. One of the scariest things that can happen to a skier is Snow Immersion Suffocation.

Snow Immersion Suffocation occurs when a person falls into an inverted position with their head below the snow, immobilizing them.

This can happen in any area of deep snow but has increased chances of occurring near "tree wells" which are the areas below trees that do not have as much snow due to the branches blocking the precipitation. Tree wells can develop into pits in excess of 10 feet in a severe scenario and will have skiers plummet into the wells head first.

90% of people who get stuck in a snow immersion suffocation crisis die if not immediately rescued by a partner according to Deep Snow Safety. Suffocation can occur just as quickly as it would if someone were drowning.

There are ways to help prevent Snow Immersion Situations and methods and tips for trying to navigate the crisis if it happens.

Prevention of Snow Immersion Situations

• Know the conditions — Before going deep snow skiing check weather conditions to determine the severity of snowfall. Pay attention to marked signs as many ski areas will let skiers know when they have entered deep snow territory.
• Never go alone — Always ski with a partner and never let each other out of the other's sight. Being buried can happen in the blink of the eye and even if you have a general idea of where they are, knowing the precise location could be the difference between life and death.
• Avoid tree wells — Tree wells create conditions that increase the chances of being buried. It is best to avoid being near trees altogether.
• Manage your equipment — Removing ski pole straps can make it easier to maneuver in deep snow. You can also bring survival tools including:
  • Shovels
  • Transceivers and beacons
  • Whistles
  • Probes
  • Reflectors
  • Avalungs
  • Or cell phones with resort emergency numbers

If Snow Immersion Situations occur for you

• Stay calm — Squirming or breathing frantically can worsen the situation and limit air supply.
• Keep that head up — Find a way to keep your head from being submerged in the snow and try to keep your foot level below your head.
• Create a bubble — If your face does become submerged try to create a space around it to protect or open an airway.
• Get attention — Try to yell, whistle or use tools to get the attention of your partner. If you can manage, use a communication device to alert emergency response.

If Snow Immersion Situations occur for your partner

• Evaluate the area — You cannot help your partner if you are also submerged. Check the safety conditions around the area before speeding in.
• Stick with them — There isn't enough time to leave to look for help. You are your partner's best bet for survival. Stay with them and try to figure out ways to first give them an airway and then try to extricate them from the situation.
• Do contact emergency resources — While it is not a good idea to leave to find help, it is still important to contact help through whistling, yelling or emergency communication devices.
• Entrances are not exits — Do not try to pull the person out of the same area they fell in. Instead, analyze how their body is positioned and tunnel to their head to create an airway.

For more information on Snow Immersion Suffocation Situations, you can visit the Deep Snow Safety website.