Avalanche: A Deadly Winter Hazard

Avalanches are a serious natural hazard that can claim many lives. They occur when a large mass of snow breaks away from a mountain slope and rushes down, often at speeds of up to 100 mph. Avalanches can destroy homes, businesses, and infrastructure, and they can also kill people who are caught in their path.

In the United States, avalanches kill an average of 25 people each year. The majority of avalanche deaths occur in the western United States, where the mountains are steeper and the snowpack is deeper.

Types of Avalanches

There are two main types of avalanches:

• Slab avalanches are the most common type of avalanche. They occur when a layer of snow breaks away from the main snowpack and slides down the slope. Slab avalanches can be very large and can travel at speeds of up to 100 mph.
• Powder snow avalanches occur when loose, dry snow is blown by the wind and accumulates on a slope. Powder snow avalanches are typically smaller than slab avalanches, but they can still be dangerous.

Causes of Avalanches

Avalanches are caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Steep slopes: Avalanches are more likely to occur on slopes that are steeper than 30 degrees.
• Heavy snowfall: Avalanches are more likely to occur after a period of heavy snowfall.
• Wind: Wind can transport large amounts of snow to steep slopes, creating the conditions for an avalanche.
• Rain: Rain can weaken the snowpack and make it more likely to avalanche.
• Earthquakes: Earthquakes can trigger avalanches by shaking the snowpack.

Recognizing Avalanche Danger

It is important to be able to recognize the signs of avalanche danger. These signs include:

• Recent snowfall: Avalanches are more likely to occur within 24 hours of a major snowfall.
• Steep slopes: Avoid slopes that are steeper than 30 degrees.
• Wind: Strong winds can transport snow to steep slopes, creating the conditions for an avalanche.
• Rain: Rain can weaken the snowpack and make it more likely to avalanche.
• Cornices: Cornices are snow formations that overhang a slope. They can collapse and trigger an avalanche.
• Cracking snow: Cracking snow is a sign that the snowpack is under stress and may be about to avalanche.

Avoiding Avalanches

The best way to avoid avalanches is to stay out of avalanche terrain. However, if you must travel in avalanche terrain, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk:

• Get avalanche training: Avalanche training can teach you how to recognize avalanche danger, avoid avalanches, and rescue people from avalanches.
• Carry avalanche gear: Avalanche gear includes a beacon, a shovel, and a probe. This gear can help you to find and rescue people who have been caught in an avalanche.
• Travel with a partner: Travelling with a partner can increase your chances of survival if you are caught in an avalanche.
• Stay on designated trails: Designated trails are less likely to be avalanche prone.
• Be aware of the weather forecast: Avalanches are more likely to occur during and after storms.

What to Do If You Are Caught in an Avalanche

If you are caught in an avalanche, the most important thing to do is to stay calm.

Here are some other tips:

• Try to swim: Swimming in the avalanche can help you to stay on the surface.
• Protect your head: Tuck your head into your chest and cover your face with your hands.
• Try to create an air pocket: If you are buried, try to create an air pocket around your face.

Stories of Avalanche Survivors

• In 2012, a group of skiers were caught in an avalanche in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. One of the skiers, a 23-year-old man, was buried for over 30 minutes. He was eventually rescued by his companions and was able to make a full recovery.
• In 2015, a group of snowboarders were caught in an avalanche in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. One of the snowboarders, a 25-year-old woman, was buried for over 45 minutes. She was eventually rescued by her companions and was able to make a full recovery.
• In 2017, a group of hikers were caught in an avalanche in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. One of the hikers, a 30-year-old man, was buried for over 60 minutes. He was eventually rescued by his companions, but he died from his injuries.

These stories are a reminder that avalanches can be deadly, but they also show that it is possible to survive an avalanche. If you are ever caught in an avalanche, the most important thing to do is to stay calm and follow the tips outlined above.

Tips and Tricks

• Avoid avalanches by staying out of avalanche terrain.
• If you must travel in avalanche terrain, get avalanche training, carry avalanche gear, and travel with a partner.
• Be aware of the weather forecast and avoid avalanches during and after storms.
• If you are caught in an avalanche, stay calm, try to swim, protect your head, and try to create an air pocket.

FAQs

• What is an avalanche? An avalanche is a large mass of snow that breaks away from a mountain slope and rushes down.
• What causes avalanches? Avalanches are caused by a variety of factors, including steep slopes, heavy snowfall, wind, rain, and earthquakes.
• How can I avoid avalanches? The best way to avoid avalanches is to stay out of avalanche terrain. However, if you must travel in avalanche terrain, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, such as getting avalanche training, carrying avalanche gear, and travelling with a partner.
• What should I do if I am caught in an avalanche? If you are caught in an avalanche, the most important thing to do is to stay calm. You should also try to swim, protect your head, and try to create an air pocket.
• How can I help someone who has been caught in an avalanche? If you see someone who has been caught in an avalanche, call 911 immediately. You can also try to help the person by digging them out of the snow. However, it is important to remember that avalanches can be very dangerous, and you should only attempt to help someone if you are confident that you can do so safely.

Tables

| Avalanche Fatalities in the United States |
|---|---|
| Year | Number of Fatalities |
|---|---|
| 2010-2011 | 31 |
| 2011-2012 | 25 |
| 2012-2013 | 28 |
| 2013-2014 | 20 |
| 2014-2015 | 27 |

| Avalanche Danger Ratings |
|---|---|
| Rating | Description |
|---|---|
| Low | Avalanches are unlikely. |
| Moderate | Avalanches are possible. |
| High | Avalanches are likely. |
| Extreme | Avalanches are very likely. |

| Tips for Avoiding Avalanches |
|---|---|
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Stay out of avalanche terrain. | The best way to avoid avalanches is to stay out of avalanche terrain. |
| Get avalanche training. | Avalanche training can teach you how to recognize avalanche danger, avoid avalanches, and rescue people from avalanches. |
| Carry avalanche gear. | Avalanche gear includes a beacon, a shovel, and a probe. This gear can help you to find and rescue people who have been caught in an avalanche. |
| Travel with a partner. | Travelling with a partner can increase your chances of survival if you are caught in an avalanche. |
| Stay on designated trails. | Designated trails are less likely to be avalanche prone. |