Search for a Signal

It is important and time saving to determine where the buried victim(s) were last seen. Note any visual clues of where the victims might be and modify your search based on what you can see and where the avalanche debris traveled. The leader should communicate a search strategy based on resources, number of burials, and terrain features. In addition to the main debris piles, searchers should also search any terrain traps and areas uphill of trees or rocks.

Rescuers should enter debris from the side or bottom of the avalanche to minimize exposure. The leader or whoever is in charge of the transceiver search must make sure the team searches methodically in 130 ft (40 m) wide search strips. Notice the different search patterns in the diagrams below for the lone searcher versus multiple searchers. Rescuers should clearly communicate if they see visual clues (poles, backpacks, gloves, or even a hand or ski sticking out of the snow).