RT Journal
A1 Fontanarosa PB, Rennie D
T1 AValanches, air pockets, and advertisements
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2000
FD May 3
VO 283
IS 17
SP 2293
OP 2294
DO 10.1001/jama.283.17.2293
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.283.17.2293
AB 
Avalanches pose a serious hazard for mountain climbers, skiers, and
snowmobile riders. During the winter of 1998-1999, avalanches accounted for
approximately 50 deaths in the United States and Canada and 150 deaths in
Europe.1 The likelihood of survival in an avalanche
is largely related to how quickly the victim buried in snow is located and
extricated. The probability of survival in relation to the time buried in
an avalanche is estimated to be approximately 90% at 15 minutes but decreases
to 30% at 35 minutes, with the increased mortality representing deaths from
acute asphyxiation.2 Survival is impossible
without an air pocket.2