What two factors significantly impact survivability in avalanche victims?

The factors that significantly impact survivability in avalanche victims are time of burial and extent of burial. The duration that a person remains buried under snow is critical; the longer a victim is trapped, the lower their chances of survival due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen), asphyxiation, and the possibility of injuries sustained during the avalanche. Research has shown that victims who are buried for more than 30 minutes have significantly reduced survival rates.

Additionally, the extent of burial refers to how deeply the victim is buried within the snow. A victim buried under a significant depth of snow might face greater challenges accessing oxygen and receiving rescue. The snow can also increase pressure on the body, which can lead to life-threatening conditions. These two factors combined—how long someone is buried and the depth at which they are entombed—are crucial determinants in the likelihood of survival in an avalanche scenario.