Seventy-five percent of all avalanche deaths are due to asphyxiation. After fifteen minutes of being buried in an avalanche, your chances of survival drop sixty-percent. Knowing how to use an avalanche beacon well is an essential skill for the backcountry traveler.
In the following video, the concept of an avalanche beacon search is described in detail:
Understanding the process of searching for a victim is essential. Practice with your beacon and take an AIARE Avalanche Level I course!
–Jason D. Martin