Brush Up On Your Tree Well And Snow Immersion Safety Ahead Of The Storm

According to BCA, snow immersion suffocation accounts for 20% of fatalities in public ski areas. Deep, fresh snow presents a distinct safety risk in the mountains.

Self-extrication from a tree well incident is nearly impossible. Thus, riding with a friend and keeping them in sight is the best approach during deep days. Carrying a whistle doesn't hurt, either. The goal here is to have someone else on hand for assistance if needed.

What if your riding buddy is stuck?

First, ensure they have a clear airway and that their head or neck isn't injured, said Woods, a veteran snowboarder interviewed by BCA in this video. 

Then, you're off to the races. Instead of trying to dig them out from above, start from below. This way, you won't risk covering their airway while digging them out.