the complexity of the search and rescue operation to determine and anticipate the needs for support. Every incident is different depending upon the number of victims, avalanche danger, weather conditions, terrain, access, availability of rescuers, etc. Support includes getting appropriate resources of people and equipment, transporting the resources, caring for and replacing rescuers. In the United States all agencies are mandated to manage search and rescue operations, including avalanche, under the Incident Command System (ICS). References Rescue