As we head into the outdoors this winter, thoughts around the end of an active day usually involve relaxing with a cold drink and a hot tub to rest tired limbs. Rarely do we think about the things that could go wrong. With the changing season comes new variables and inclement weather that can stop you in your tracks. This shift in season requires a shift in mindset because accidents do happen and can throw off even the best laid plans.

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you were seriously hurt and stranded on the side of a mountain as a winter storm rolled in?

This was the reality for GOES’ own Dr. Nic Kanaan when his plans to climb and ski down a narrow 3,400-foot gully filled with fresh snow in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains took a deadly turn. On the descent he skied off a 15-foot cliff and landed on rock hidden under a thin layer of snow.

The rock snagged his ski and the sudden change in momentum flexed his body over the top of his ski boot, breaking the large bone in his lower leg. Unable to bear weight and in severe pain, he instantly recognized the trouble they were in. They improvised a splint to stabilize and protect the broken limb. Then with the remaining light, they dug a snow cave for protection. There was just enough cell reception to call 911 before the cold drained their phone batteries.

As a winter storm rolled in, it began snowing two inches per hour and the realization hit that they had to get help. After making sure he was “comfortable enough,” Nic’s buddy skied down the mountain, alone and in the dark. Nic was stranded on the mountain in a freezing storm and unable to stand. Would you be prepared for an ordeal like this? Read the full story here.

Plan for the best, prepare for the worst

Before heading out into the winter wilderness, here are some basics to stick to:

Share your location and let others know where you are going.
Pack for the worst case scenario. Bring extra insulating layers, warm gloves, headlamp, extra phone battery (kept close to your body or somewhere warm), food, water, whistle, and the material and knowledge to build an emergency shelter.
Learn to build a shelter (outlined below). Sheltering from the wind and snow needs to be done before you catch hypothermia.
Watch for hypothermia. As the body temperature lowers, you lose your ability to take care of yourself. First comes confusion, then eventually your body stops shivering which is the natural way your body keeps warm, followed by unconsciousness.
Injury to the lower body is the most common reason for mountain recreationalists to seek medical care. Before you go, learn how to stabilize an injury with an improvised splint. (Or use the GOES app to walk you through it.)
An essential part of winter planning is reviewing the upcoming weather in the location you are traveling to. If bad weather is in the forecast, plan accordingly because conditions are likely to worsen and help may be delayed or unavailable.

What to do when things go wrong

In an emergency in the wilderness, search and rescue (SAR) teams are called upon to help. The vast majority of America’s SAR teams that venture into the backcountry are unpaid volunteers. These SAR teams are activated via the 911 system and the local sheriff’s department coordinates efforts within their county. The busiest SAR teams in the U.S. are found in Colorado, with 50 teams performing over 3,600 rescues a year.

While these teams do not charge for their critical services, GOES believes with winter wilderness knowledge and good planning, you may be able to avoid putting yourself and SAR volunteers in unnecessary and dangerous situations.

1. Make a snow cave

In unwelcome conditions, a snow cave can mean the difference between life or death. Snow caves serve as an emergency shelter from wind and snow, and in severe winter storms, it may be even more effective than a tent. Snow is an excellent insulator that can prevent heat loss to the outside conditions. A well-constructed snow cave can maintain a welcomed temperature of around freezing (32°F), which in severe cold weather conditions can feel warmer than the sub-zero temperatures outside.

This life-saving shelter was once used on the first winter ascent of Denali in 1967. On the descent, weather moved in and the three climbers had to dig a snow cave at 18,000 feet. They survived for six days as the windchill dropped temperatures outside as low as -148°F.

A snow cave is dug into a large pit of snow with a blue sky and mountain peaking out through the background. Shovels are placed to the right of the mouth of the snow cave.

2. Ventilate your emergency shelter

If you spend time in a snow cave or tent this winter, remember that you need to ensure good airflow to prevent suffocation. Carbon dioxide is exhaled with each breath, and in a small enclosed space without ventilation the buildup of carbon dioxide can replace the oxygen in the air, causing you to suffocate.

If using a camping stove, the burning of fuel releases a colorless and odorless gas called carbon monoxide, and toxic levels of poison can be found in storm-bound shelters. Research on camping stoves in snow caves found dangerous carbon monoxide levels could accumulate within 10 minutes of stove burn time.

3. Make a splint for injuries

Any injury that leads to an unstable bone or joint should be splinted to decrease pain. A splint is any external device that keeps injury protected and still. This helps decrease pain by limiting movement, muscle spasms, and minimizes internal bleeding.

The general idea of a splint is to stop movement above and below the injured area. There are three main components of a splint:

Pad the area well to prevent injury from the splint’s pressure.
Use a rigid support to brace the injury and keep it still.
Wrap or tie everything around the limb to secure it all.

In an emergency situation, innovation is a necessity.

Dr. Kanaan’s makeshift splint was created from ski poles, climbing skins, webbing, and rope.

Down the hard way

The search and rescue team found Nic hours later. He was mildly hypothermic, totally exhausted, but elated and grateful. The ensuing four hour evacuation in a toboggan-like sled took them down steep and technical terrain with multiple pulley systems rigged to maneuver down the cliffs. With a broken tibia bouncing the whole way down, it was an uncomfortable descent, but Nic got off the mountain relatively lucky.

The injury resulted in mild frostbite and only required one surgery to fix. He left the mountains with a newfound respect for Mother Nature and a deep appreciation for the SAR team who put in a heroic effort and risked their lives for a stranger in the middle of a terrible winter storm.

Lessons learned

If you have made it this far and did in fact read Nic’s account, there’s a lot we can take away from his harrowing story.

What they got right…

They texted their planned route to a friend before heading out.
They brought the essentials:
- multi-purpose tool
- elastic and nylon straps
- headlamp and flashlight (even for a day trip)
- extra layers for warmth: puff coat, extra warm glove liners, extra hat
- first aid kit with some tape and pain medicine
- food and water
They had the presence of mind to stay calm and accurately assess what needed to be done.

Next time…

Safety in numbers. A third person would be helpful to stay with the seriously injured or in this scenario, to safely ski in pairs to find help in dangerous terrain and in darkness.
Headlamps for all. There was only one headlamp for two people. Ensure your headlamp has the ability to focus a beam which makes signaling easier for SAR.
Chemical hand warmers. These are light to pack and are recommended to help prevent frostbite.
Extra phone battery. Keep it warm close to your body as the cold will quickly drain battery life.
Check the weather. Always check the forecast for the coming night and next day, as a short weather window can cause conditions to quickly deteriorate and change the situation from uncomfortable to deadly.
Avoid tunnel vision. They hunkered down near the accident site, which was prime avalanche terrain. Spending some time to assess their surroundings could have mitigated the risk from avalanches.
Call for help early. Put your ego and embarrassment aside and give your rescuers as much daylight as possible to help.

Even for seasoned experts, things can go sideways. But you can always reduce your risks and be prepared with GOES, by seeing the risks ahead, specific to your location and the day’s forecast. By adding GOES to your toolkit, you have outdoor health information and guidance always available, even if you’re out of service.