Frightening reality check provided by Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort ski patroller Dan as he jumps into a spring well that had formed just beneath a chairlift at the California ski resort.
Dan roped in before leaping into the hole that appeared to be about two feet deep upon visual inspection. The true depth of the hole was revealed once Dan jumped into the void that was covered by fresh snow.
“If I had fallen headfirst, I would have minutes to be dug out before I suffocate. My feet are not even at the bottom.”
90% of people involved in Tree Well/Snow Immersion Suffocation hazard research experiments could not rescue themselves. If a partner is not present for an immediate rescue, the skier or snowboarder may die very quickly from suffocation.
There is plenty of winter left at ski resorts across the country with deep enough snow to create snow immersion suffocation hazards. Always be aware of your surroundings and always ride with a partner.
What Is a Snow Immersion Suffocation:
A tree well/ snow immersion suffocation accident can happen when a skier or snowboarder falls – usually headfirst – into a tree well or deep loose snow and becomes immobilized and trapped under the snow and suffocates.
In an inverted position you can become trapped under the snow. Breathing becomes difficult as the loose snow packs in around you. Without immediate help from your partner, you may suffocate.
Prevention of falling into a tree well or areas of deep snow is all-important because the odds of surviving deep snow immersion are low.
90% of people involved in Tree Well/ SIS hazard research experiments could NOT rescue themselves. If a partner is not there for immediate rescue, the skier or rider may die very quickly from suffocation – in many cases, he or she can die as quickly as someone can drown in water.
