Are Avalanche Beacons Waterproof?

You can buy avalanche beacons in a wide variety of styles, from simple and streamlined models to more feature-packed ones. The important thing is to familiarize yourself with each type before you use it. Often, advanced features and options can be confusing and even harmful, especially in a time-sensitive situation.

Avalanche Beacons Are Waterproof

An avalanche beacon is an electronic device that is worn on the person. Avalanche Beacon can send out a 457 khz radio signal. This signal is sent in case of an avalanche or slide. An avalanche beacon can be in Send or Search mode. In case of a slide, the buried party member will continue to transmit the signal, while the rest of the party will switch to Search mode.

Most avalanche beacons come with a general search function and a finer search function to help you pinpoint a particular area. The smallest beacons have a range of about 50 meters, while the top models have a range of about 70 meters. The screen on an avalanche beacon is backlit and has a variety of helpful images. Its switches are large and easy to use even when wearing gloves.

They Transmit Signals From Farther Away

Avalanche beacons work by transmitting a signal to rescuers that can be detected from a longer distance. These devices make beeping noises and can also display an arrow that points to potential signals. By following the arrow, rescuers can increase their chances of finding a buried rider.

The problem with beacons is that they are not as effective as one might hope. Despite the fact that beacons can help rescuers, they are only useful if the wearer is trained and practiced with them. Despite their limitations, beacons have saved many lives. Practicing with a beacon is a vital part of being prepared in an avalanche situation.

They Have a Maximum Range of 50 to 70 Meters

Most avalanche beacons have a maximum range of about 50 to 70 meters. This range is considered the most reliable for finding people in an avalanche, and it is what most avalanche instructors teach. However, the range is more variable than that, and the range of an avalanche beacon can be as far as 600 meters or more. Also, the range can be affected by the direction in which you are facing. If you want to get a good idea of the range of your beacon, you should practice using it.

The Ortovox Diract Voice avalanche beacon is unique in that it uses a voice navigation system that directs rescuers to the right spot. The beacon will give them verbal instructions, including "run," "walk," and "go down to the snow surface." The beacon has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, unlike other models, and it has a range of fifty to seventy meters. It is a good choice for beginners and people who do not know how to use a beacon.

They Can Handle Multiple Close Proximity Burials

The Mammut Barryvox S is the top beacon for multiple close proximity burials. The Black Diamond Guide BT is also an excellent choice. The Arva Neo Pro is a close second. Both models can handle multiple burials and have advanced features to assist rescuers. One notable feature of the Barryvox S is its ability to unmask previously marked beacons, which makes it a more versatile option.

Unlike the real world, where rescuers must dig to locate a victim, multiple burials are much easier to spot. In an avalanche, multiple burials are often buried in series or parallel. Usually, one rescuer finds the first victim, digs a small hole to make a clear airway, and continues the signal search for the next victim. At this point, the first rescuer turns off the signal of the first victim's beacon. Another person, or a team of rescuers, then fan out the pile, and isolate signals as they go.

They Are Small Enough to Be Kept in a Pocket

The tracker3 is the world's thinnest and lowest-volume avalanche beacon. Just slightly bigger than a smartphone, the Tracker3 can be kept in a pocket or on a harness. Its small size allows it to fit easily in a pocket, and pros often keep one of these devices in their pants pockets. The tracker's small size also allows it to be protected better in the pocket and ensures that the user will be more likely to engage with the device when it's needed.

While most avalanche beacons are small enough to fit in a pocket, you must make sure that the unit has a long range. Some models are so small that you can even fit them into your wallet. If you plan on carrying your beacon for an extended period of time, it's a good idea to carry a battery-powered device with you.