# AI advises digging a hole in the snow to survive an avalanche burial (oxygen depletion and exhaustion risk)

- **ID:** `disaster/avalanche-dig-hole-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 72%

## Root Cause

Digging a hole in the snow after avalanche burial rapidly depletes the limited air pocket and exhausts the victim; the correct action is to create an air pocket in front of the face and remain still to conserve oxygen.

## Workarounds

1. **As the avalanche slows, cup one hand over your mouth and nose to create an air pocket. When burial stops, remain still and calm to conserve oxygen.** (80% success)
   ```
   As the avalanche slows, cup one hand over your mouth and nose to create an air pocket. When burial stops, remain still and calm to conserve oxygen.
   ```
2. **Carry and deploy an avalanche airbag backpack to prevent deep burial. Use an avalanche transceiver for rapid location by rescuers.** (90% success)
   ```
   Carry and deploy an avalanche airbag backpack to prevent deep burial. Use an avalanche transceiver for rapid location by rescuers.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Dig vigorously to create a large cavity** — Exhaustion and rapid oxygen depletion lead to unconsciousness within minutes (98% fail)
- **Swim upward to try to reach the surface** — Avalanche debris is too dense; swimming wastes energy and oxygen (85% fail)
- **Shout for help continuously** — Shouting wastes oxygen and sound is muffled by snow; rescuers use transceivers (90% fail)