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Ndvorsky t1_jegtaw5 wrote

Reply to comment by Phage0070 in ELI5: What are tree wells and why are they dangerous during an avalanche? by Narrev

Is the danger from fall damage? I don’t see how you couldn’t just dig yourself out of the snow.

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turniphat t1_jegxfjx wrote

You can't dig because it's hard packed snow / ice that's been there for months. You also can't really move your arms because you are stuck upside down in a small area next to the tree.

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ThisHandleIsBroken t1_jegy7m1 wrote

there are very tall trees thus very deep wells. loose snow collapses just like a poorly dug hole and the mass of water adds up. you falling in disturbs the tree and its well. the condition changes drastically swiftly and you are the least able to conform in a way that is helpful

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