In the past week, an avalanche in the Alaska Range resulted in a snowmobiler being buried for approximately 25 minutes before people dug him out of the debris.
A man by the name of Ben Anderson helped with the rescue effort, which was ultimately successful. This incident resulted in the first complete burial of the 2015/2016 season.
The chances of surviving a complete burial for over 30 minutes is approximately 30%- WestWide Avalanche Network
Here’s what Ben had to say about the incident:
“Helped save a guy (Paul) from an avalanche. I [think] he was buried for about 25 min. Before he was found. He was blinking when I dug the snow out from around his face. What a great feeling to [find] someone alive even if you don’t know him. So glad he was up and moving in a couple min. Never know when shit will go crazy and the world comes down on you. I tell every one to get all the equipment and I forgot one key tool, a probe. Get all the gear and tell all your friends to do the same. Know how to use it [and] practice. Shit happens fast and there’s never much time. Everyone be safe out there.”- Ben Anderson Facebook Post
Related: The Best Avalanche Safety Video Ever! #KBYG
Stay safe out there and look to your local avalanche center for classes and education opportunities in the coming weeks!