Yes! Especially in SEARCH mode. Several reports from failed or severely disturbed and delayed rescue action in the last years have shown that electronic equipment can have a very unpredictable and severe influence on avalanche rescue transceivers.

Basic recommendations:

In SEND (transmit) mode: keep items like cell phones, radios, iPods, and cameras with wireless capability at least 20cm away from your transceiver. Further is better. If your cell phone is on, it should be in Airplane Mode to minimize interference. Better yet, turn off all electronics and put them in your backpack.

In SEARCH mode, all electronics should be at least 50 cm away from your transceiver, including electrically heated gloves. Turn off all cell phones.

Most solid, non-electrical, objects will not cause interference. These objects include snow, trees, rocks, clothing, skis, etc. Another common object is a RECCO reflector which is often built into jackets, and this object will not cause interference.

For more info:

Watch this video. See how interference starts as the beacon gets closer than an arm's length away from the phone.

Read the below articles for more information.

“Interference Myth NOT Busted” by John Barkhausen, former GNFAC intern, provides a concise overview of interference and a simple study John conducted while a student at Prescott College.

“Interference Issues Concerning Avalanche Rescue Transceivers” by Manuel Genswein, a Swiss engineer and rescue consultant. This article provides very detailed information on beacon interference as well as a few practical recommendations.