Avalanche
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Stay out of avalanche terrain when conditions are unsafe. Read the local avalanche forecast before travel and choose a safer route; rescue equipment does not make a dangerous slope safe. If someone is buried, call rescue and start companion rescue only where you can avoid another avalanche.
Take it with you. Verify locally.
Downloads open without signup. External references are published material, not live instructions. Save them before an outage.
In immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Current instructions for your location take priority.
Do now.
- 01
Check conditions before departure
Consult the local avalanche center and get training before entering snow-covered backcountry.
- 02
Choose terrain deliberately
Avoid avalanche paths and slopes identified in the forecast; turn around when uncertain.
- 03
Carry and know rescue gear
Each person needs a transceiver, probe and shovel and practiced companion rescue skills.
- 04
If an avalanche occurs
Note the last seen location, call rescue and assess continuing danger before searching.
Next steps.
Take a practical avalanche course and travel with trained partners. Use professional local advice for route selection.
Watch for.
Do not enter unstable terrain for an untrained rescue that may create more victims.
Sources & context.
Original Osprey Zero summary of the references below. U.S.-based guidance unless noted; check authorities where you are. This page is not a live alert.
Updated 2026-10-02. Recheck official instructions during an active event.