# AI advises digging a snow cave immediately after an avalanche burial to create an air pocket (oxygen depletion and exhaustion risk)

- **ID:** `disaster/avalanche-digging-cave-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 82%

## Root Cause

Digging a snow cave after burial consumes precious oxygen and energy, and can cause the snow to collapse further, reducing the air pocket. The correct action is to remain still, clear space around the face, and wait for rescue.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| Avalanche Safety Training Handbook 2024 | active | — | — |
| AIARE Level 1 Curriculum v3.1 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **If buried, stay calm, cover your mouth and nose with a hand to prevent snow inhalation, and try to clear a small pocket in front of your face using your free hand. Conserve oxygen by breathing slowly and remaining still. Activate your avalanche beacon if you have one.** (75% success)
   ```
   If buried, stay calm, cover your mouth and nose with a hand to prevent snow inhalation, and try to clear a small pocket in front of your face using your free hand. Conserve oxygen by breathing slowly and remaining still. Activate your avalanche beacon if you have one.
   ```
2. **Prevent burial by carrying and knowing how to use avalanche safety equipment: transceiver, probe, and shovel. Take an AIARE Level 1 course before traveling in avalanche terrain.** (95% success)
   ```
   Prevent burial by carrying and knowing how to use avalanche safety equipment: transceiver, probe, and shovel. Take an AIARE Level 1 course before traveling in avalanche terrain.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Assuming that creating a large cavity improves survivability; it actually accelerates CO2 buildup and can trigger secondary collapses. (70% fail)
- **** — Believing that shouting or moving creates an air pocket; it only increases oxygen consumption. (60% fail)