SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ski-avalanche-dig-downhill

When digging out a buried partner, which side should you dig from?

Downhill of them, to protect the airway.

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  1. From downhill of them ✔
  2. From directly uphill of them
  3. Straight down from on top of them

Why: Shoveling downhill preserves the victim's airway and reduces your work. For shallow burials take one step downhill, for deeper ones take two.

Huh, didn't know that: With several shovelers, a rotating conveyor-belt technique helps.

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References

Answer: From downhill of them. Shoveling downhill preserves the victim's airway and reduces your work. For shallow burials take one step downhill, for deeper ones take two.

  1. Avalanche.org: Strategic shoveling avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/avalanche-search-and-rescue/strategic-shoveling
    Shovel downhill of the victim to preserve their airway and reduce your shoveling efforts.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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