How to Survive an Avalanche

How to stay alive if you're trapped in an avalanche. I go skiing to understand the physics of these deadly forces of nature and test out some of the incredible engineering technology being used to keep people safe.

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Hi, I'm James. I explore the world looking for interesting engineering stories which explore complex issues in interesting ways. I hold a First-Class Honors in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Western Australia and am currently studying a Masters of Space Systems Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

[AtomicFrontier]

While ski patrol and some backcountry instructors had a look at the script for accuracy, this is your friendly reminder to not take life-critical safety advise (entirely) from a YouTube video. All remaining errors are my own.

[jeralwood]

Becomes buried under snow and risks his life, yeah I should record this. all jokes aside great video!!

[natalie]

The baking demonstration was really eye-opening on why avalanches are so deadly, because they go from no movement to a massive amount of snow just by carrying the stuff above them.

[Antibomber]

I love how in the beginning he says "If I can't get out of here in the next 10 minutes" that he'll be in trouble, and then the video is only 9:30 lol. Love the video, keep up the good work!

[mddo]

I’m amazed at how clean sounding the audio always is, even when he’s skiing! That’s some really impressive audio processing and makes the video even more professional

[hullinstruments]

This is my favorite new channel discovered in the last year. I absolutely love your style and presenting.

[cxob]

Always amazed how this still somewhat small channel has better production value than big budged TV Documentary.

[SmegEdmoOn]

A lesser youtuber would have had a shot of downhill skiing with a voiceover. James Dingley, the mad lad that he is, decides to keep narrating the whole way through.

AND THEN DOES IT AGAIN, JUST FOR FUN

[surfaey]

Keeping a professional, calm, and informative tone of voice, while skiing down a mountain. Is something I've never seen before.

[mickmccasker]

Now you're just showing off!
As if the video you did walking around Freo in one take walking backwards and up stairs wasn't enough, now you're skiing mid-script and getting buried alive!?
Great video as usual, love your work!

[lewismassie]

If I had a nickel for every time I've seen someone explain the layers of snow in an avalanche using food products, I'd have two nickels.

Must just be a very good medium to explain it

[MarcusWolfWanders]

I knew the basics when it came to avalanches, but this video really brought me up to speed. "sintering", as well as the fact that you're very much unable to move after being buried by an avalanche, are both new to me.

[fkiesel]

Very good explanation!
Of course, there is much more to the topic, but that would be way too much to cover in such a video.
As an electrical engineer, I find it quite fascinating, how far avalanche beacons have come and how much better each generation gets.
You still have to practice a lot to really master them, but if I compare a 10 year old one with a current one, the difference in how fast and how reliable I can find the transmitter is often significant.

[chrisc.]

This was a really interesting, informational, and high quality video. You made me ugly laugh when I thought about 'Prometheus school of running away from things' and you said it a second after. I could really appreciate the effort put into it too. Great video!

[herebejamz]

I'm impressed by the physicality. Its actually really difficult to deliver informative lines while doing anything physical. The first part with him skiing has amazing delivery.

[chessie]

This is seriously incredible work! I loved the way you explained the layers with simple household ingredients.

[A_killa]

you make some of the most high quality videos ive seen on the platform and are insanely underateted i give it a year until you blow up into the millions

[awgmax]

Prometheus school of running away from things made me chuckle. Great reference.

[__lifeline__]

5:18 was not expecting a cinema sins reference

[isaacsilbert]

Weetbix, truly the greatest treasure! Great work James, love your work!