| 50% of avalanche victims end up on top, the remaining 50% of the victims are completely buried once the avalanche comes to a halt, or at least the head and chest are submerged in the snow. Approximately 20% suffer from fatal injuries due to the fall. Out of the 80% which are still alive 75% have blocked airways due to snow in their mouth and/or experience such strong snow pressure on their chest that their breathing is severely restricted. Once your buried, time is of the essence. Companion rescue is really your only hope if your buried. If a rescue team has to be called in your chances of survival are almost non-existent. Studies show that after 15 minutes under the snow, survival is severely limited. Within 45 minutes, baring a miracle, you're dead. Lots of numbers to absorb so lets summarize; If your caught in an avalanche its a 50/50 chance you will end up buried. Once buried an 80% chance you will be alive but with a 65% chance of dying. This is best case. If you are not rescued by companions your chances of survival are near 0. If your companions are not proficient in rescue methods your chances are again, not best case. Why, given these odds, would you choose to accept burial. Why choose to use a primary safety device that is designed around this acceptance? Wonder how high your risk of being caught in an avalanche is? If you ride a snowmachine you belong to the highest risk group in the United States! Follow this link for more information | 
