The crew over at Backcountry Access has produced a series of informative avalanche rescue technique videos. The videos cover beacon searching, probing, and shoveling techniques. All of the videos are worth checking out. I chose to post the shoveling technique video here, because shoveling, one of the longest steps in avalanche rescue, recieves very little attention relative to search protocols.

Obviously, keen search skills are vital to a rescue, but given the stats on avalanche rescue, the minutes and seconds spent shoveling are also vital. An average one-meter burial requires removing between one and one-and-half tons of debris. This equates to between two and three thousand pounds of snow. The video from Backcountry Access promotes strategic, efficient shoveling techniques. Take a look - your partners will be glad you did.