When the Colorado Avalanche Information Center instructs all backcountry users entering avalanche-prone terrain to make sure they’ve got a transceiver, a shovel, and a probe – all of which they know how to use – they’re very serious. In many cases, having these items at the scene of an avalanche can be a matter of life or death.

A video recently posted on Reddit captures the intensity of the scene following an avalanche burial, also demonstrating how avalanche-related safety tools can save a life.

Watch the clip below:

In addition to bringing safety tools into avalanche-prone terrain (that you’ve trained with and know how to use) and not traveling alone, it’s crucial to monitor the avalanche risk forecast, as published by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, prior to leaving the trailhead behind. Find that here.