SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ski-avalanche-beacon-send-mode

When should your avalanche beacon be worn and turned on?

Always on and worn on your body in send mode.

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  1. Only after a slide happens
  2. Stored loose in your pack lid
  3. Always on, worn on your body, in send mode ✔

Why: A beacon sends a signal so partners can find you. It only helps if it is on and on your person. If someone is buried, partners switch to search mode.

Huh, didn't know that: Avalanche.org says to keep beacon battery life above 50 percent, because long searches can drain batteries.

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Why did the beacon get promoted? It always sent the right signals!
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References

Answer: Always on, worn on your body, in send mode. A beacon sends a signal so partners can find you. It only helps if it is on and on your person. If someone is buried, partners switch to search mode.

  1. Avalanche.org: Transceiver/Beacon avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/gear/transceiver-beacon
    must always be worn on your person and in send/transmit mode
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Avalanche.org: Transceiver/Beacon avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/gear/transceiver-beacon
    Ensure that your battery life is always above 50% because lengthy searches can drain batteries.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Outdoors & CampingHow far should a phone be from your beacon in search mode?Outdoors & CampingHow many levels are on the North American avalanche danger scale?Outdoors & CampingAt Considerable (level 3) avalanche danger, human-triggered slides are:

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