Time needed: 15 minutes
Follow this survival protocol immediately.
- React Immediately
Yell to alert partners, deploy your airbag if available, and ski to the side (flanks) of the slide.
- Swim During the Slide
Use a freestyle swimming motion to fight to the surface. If you are in a car, turn off the engine immediately.
- Create a Breathing Pocket
As the snow slows, cross your arms in front of your face to create an air pocket and take a deep breath to expand your chest.
Srinagar/Gulmarg: The massive avalanche in Sonamarg on January 27 serves as a terrifying wake-up call. Whether you are skiing the backcountry in Gulmarg or driving on the Srinagar-Leh highway, the mountains demand respect. In an avalanche, the first 15 minutes are the difference between life and death.
Here is the mandatory survival protocol issued by safety experts and the J&K Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA).
PHASE 1: The Impact (0-5 Seconds)
If you see the snow fracture or feel the ground slide beneath you:
FOR SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS:
- Yell “AVALANCHE”: Alert your partners immediately so they can track your point of disappearance.
- Deploy Airbag: If you have an ABS/Airbag backpack, pull the trigger the second you realize the slide is real.
- Ski to the Side: Aim for the “flanks” (sides) of the slide. Never try to outrun it straight downhill.
- Ditch Gear: Abandon poles and skis immediately. They act as “anchors” that will drag you deeper under the snow and can cause limb injuries.
FOR TRAVELERS (In Vehicles):
- Stay Inside: Do not exit the vehicle while the slide is moving. Your car provides a protective shell against crushing debris.
- Engine Off: CRITICAL. If buried, turn off the engine immediately. Snow blocks the exhaust pipe, which can fill the cabin with deadly Carbon Monoxide (CO) within minutes.
PHASE 2: The Slide (The Tumbling Phase)
- Swim: Fight with everything you have. Use a freestyle swimming motion to keep your body near the surface.
- Grab an Anchor: If you pass a sturdy tree or rock, grab it and hold on.
- Protect Your Airway: Inhale deeply before the snow comes to a halt and clamp your mouth shut to prevent “snow choking.”
PHASE 3: The Burial (Crucial Action)
When the snow starts to slow, it will set like concrete within seconds. You must act before it hardens.
- Create a “Breathing Pocket”: Cross your forearms in front of your face. This creates a small gap for oxygen. Most victims die from CO2 asphyxiation; this pocket buys you precious minutes.
- Expand Your Chest: Take a massive breath to expand your chest cavity before the snow freezes hard. This ensures you have enough room to take shallow breaths while buried.
- The Spit Test: If disoriented, spit. If it hits your nose, you are upside down. While you likely cannot dig yourself out of deep debris, this knowledge helps you stay calm and conserve oxygen.
- Conserve Oxygen: Do not scream unless you hear rescuers directly above you.
Essential Gear for Gulmarg Backcountry
If you are venturing beyond the groomed Phase 1 and Phase 2 slopes (the patrolled areas), you MUST carry:
- Beacon (Transceiver): Set to “Send” so rescuers can find you.
- Probe: To pinpoint victims under the snow.
- Shovel: To dig through frozen, concrete-like debris.
Emergency Contact Numbers (Save These)
- National Emergency Helpline: 112 (Police, Ambulance, Fire)
- National Highway Helpline: 1033 (For Sonamarg/Banihal/Leh Highway)
- 24/7 Tourist Helplines: 8899931010 / 8899941010
- Srinagar Police Control Room (PCR): 0194-2452092
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: No. Avalanches can reach speeds of 120 km/h. Your only escape is moving perpendicular (to the side) of the slide path.
A: The groomed runs (marked paths) are monitored and “controlled” via blasting by the Ski Patrol. However, the backcountry (off-piste) is unpatrolled. Never leave marked boundaries without a certified guide and proper gear.
A: Stay inside and turn off the engine immediately to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. If possible, crack a window slightly to let in fresh air, but do not exert yourself. Wait for Border Roads Organization (BRO) heavy machinery to reach you.
