An avalanche is a scary thing! But they are showing to be a greater concern when heading into the backcountry. Therefore, it is important for backcountry users to become familiar with them. It is also important to know how to carry out an avalanche rescue. One of the most important aspects of emergency rescue scenarios is taking care of your own safety first. You are no good to the rescue effort if you are also a victim. Prepare for the worst and know what to do if you are the victim in an avalanche. If you notice the slope beginning to slide, get to safety if possible and then look for the rest of your party. If you feel yourself getting caught: • Yell! Call out for attention.• Your backcountry partners should always have eyes on the person exposed to the avalanche hazard. If your team can establish a last point seen, it will improve your chances of being found quickly.• Deploy your airbag.• Don’t hesitate to do this. The airbag will not affect your ability to yell or exit to the side of the avalanche.• Try to exit to the side of the avalanche.• Slide or roll towards the sides of the avalanche. Snow moves more slowly at the edges of the avalanche. You increase your chances of not being carried as far.• Try to arrest as you’re caught.• If you fail to escape to the side of an avalanche, grab bushes or trees, or arrest yourself in the bed surface in an effort to slow yourself down. This might allow the moving snow to flow around you and leave you high on the slope.