Quick Answer
Leave your car if it's blocking a road or obstructing rescue efforts, or if it's at risk of being buried or swept away by an avalanche or sliding snow.
Sign of Imminent Avalanche Risk
If you’re stranded in an area with a high risk of avalanches and your vehicle is at risk of being buried, leave it immediately. Watch for signs such as recent avalanche activity, unstable snow, or a slope that is steep and exposed.
Identifying Safe Exit Points
When leaving your car, look for a safe exit point. This could be a flat area, a ridge, or a location near a trail. Use a map and compass or GPS to identify the safest route to take. Ideally, this route should be at least 100 yards away from your vehicle to avoid being caught in a slide or buried snow.
Communicating with Search and Rescue
Once you’re safely away from your vehicle, find a location to start a fire or use a signaling device to alert search and rescue teams. If you have a two-way radio or a satellite phone, call for help. Use the whistle signal (three short blasts, followed by a minute of silence, and then three more blasts) to signal your location to rescuers.
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