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Caught On Tape: The Dangers Of Snowboarding Into A Tree Well

SEEN ON TV (CBS) — This snow season, seven skiiers and snowboarders have already died as the result of falling into a tree well.

One lucky snowboarder survived certain death when a similar fate happened to him...and his accident was all caught on tape. On his helmet cam, no less.

What exactly is a tree well?

It's a hole covered by tree branches just near the base of a tree. If someone falls into one, so does the surrounding snow and the skiier or snowboarding can be buried in seconds. What makes them so dangerous...they are impossible to detect.

These deaths are referred to as a NARSID — Non-Avalanche Related Snow Immersion Death...and unfortunately California is one of the leaders in this area.

For more information about surviving, and more importantly avoiding, this type of fall, click on the following link.

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