If you’ve ever taken an avalanche safety course, you’ve probably heard about electronic interference and avalanche transceivers. Electronics like cell phones, heated gloves, smart watches, two-way radios and even snowmobiles can create electromagnetic interference (EMI) that will disrupt an avalanche transceiver search. Basically, some electronics emit EMI that can alter avalanche transceiver behavior. The good news is that you can take simple precautions to avoid avalanche transceiver interference.
A recent collaboration between Canadian and US avalanche information centers and all six avalanche transceiver manufacturers has created a basic set of guidelines to clarify how to avoid electronic interference during an avalanche transceiver search.
The bottom line is that you need to keep a searching transceiver at least 50 cm /20 in away from a potential EMI source and keep a transmitting transceiver at least 20 cm / 8 in away from potential sources. In practice, this means that your chosen transceiver placement and the placement of other electronics are important. It can also mean conducting any transceiver search with your transceiver at arm’s length will help maintain the suggested distance from electronics.
Is it ok to put your avalanche transceiver in your pants pocket?
Check out our article on Chest Harness vs Pants Pocket – Where to Wear your Avalanche Transceiver
