SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ski-avalanche-phone-distance

How far should a phone be from your beacon in search mode?

At least 50 cm (about arm's length).

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  1. At least 5 cm
  2. At least 50 cm (arm's length) ✔
  3. At least 3 meters

Why: Phones and electronics can interfere with beacons. In transmit mode keep devices at least 20 cm away. Even airplane mode may not stop problems.

Huh, didn't know that: Powered-up snowmobiles are especially likely to cause interference.

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Why was the snowman rummaging through the bag of carrots? He was picking his nose.
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References

Answer: At least 50 cm (arm's length). Phones and electronics can interfere with beacons. In transmit mode keep devices at least 20 cm away. Even airplane mode may not stop problems.

  1. Avalanche.org: Electromagnetic interference avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/avalanche-search-and-rescue/transceiver-search/electromagnetic-interference
    keeping any possible sources of interference at least 50 cm (arm's length) away
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Outdoors & CampingWhen should your avalanche beacon be worn and turned on?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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