Can you suffocate falling in Deep Powder?
 

YES YOU CAN. Same as a tree well, same as an avalanche. My only comment on the subject is I treat the powder snow like the ocean; giving amazing respect utilizing critical decision making, and using the newest protections like Avalung and for avalanches, the airbag. At the least, ride with a partner and practice leap frogging on non-pow days to get used to stoping to watch.

Saw this topic title on another message board and liked the title and approach. Brought out a great discussion from veterans and tons of hits. I know we have a tree well thread, but we can move this later this summer. Might as well spam a little this time of year to educate.

Someone there, mentioned using any face covering to help when falling in deep pow, but I actually do the opposite. I feel like I need the sense of breathing the air when in deep pow.

Nothing like lawn darting into 8 feet of pow head first my first time riding out west in the winter. Shit can kill you people don't realize that at all. I've definitely choked on my fair share of white stuff (insert gay sexual reference).

^ If you swallow that shit.........I hear it's good for your skin tone! ^

and it doesn't need to be very deep...2nd day out this year, headered on a 20" poo day 5 feet from the groomed...cough cough cough

Haha I'm generally considered a big uncoordinated guy, and I've ended up upside down in a big pile of the sweet stuff a few times and have been happy to have some friends around lol

As others have said, yes you can certainly suffocate by falling into deep powder.

IME you can experience severe breathing difficulties riding through deep, dry powder as well. You have to learn when to take a breath (usually coming out of a turn) if you're riding in blower or you won't get enough air.

This is true even with a mask on. The pressure of the snow can surprise you if you get a full face shot.

You def can. Doesn't need to be all that deep nor that far off-piste. Being buried is very disorienting...

I think I'll get that avalung, for the peace of mind.

I have one for when i'm out of bounds.

It's something but i wish i had an airbag.

No gay references here. I was thinking:

http://okc.net/wp-content/uploads/20...montana-11.jpg