An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a hill or mountainside. Although avalanches can occur on any steep slope given the right conditions, certain times of the year and types of locations are naturally more dangerous. While avalanches are sudden, there are typically a number of warning signs you can look for or feel before one occurs. In 90 percent of avalanche incidents, the snow slides are triggered by the victim or someone in the victim's party. Avalanches kill more than 150 people worldwide each year. The National Weather Service provides current weather conditions and forecast information to regional avalanche forecast centers that in-turn issue avalanche forecasts. Avalanche warnings and special advisories are included on NWS websites and broadcast over NOAA Weather Radio. Refer to your local avalanche center for current snowpack conditions!
Get the gear...and learn how to use it! Have these three avalanche safety essentials in your pack. :
Transceiver: so you can be found if covered by the snow
Shovel: so you can dig out your partner
Probe: so you can locate someone who has been covered by the snow
Avalanche survival rates plummet after about 15 minutes for victims who do not die from trauma. Saving your partner is up to you! Practicing realistic scenarios beforehand is essential.
The following are a few of the warning signs of unstable snow and possible avalanches:
You see an avalanche happen or see evidence of previous slides.
Cracks form in the snow around your feet or skis.
The ground feels hollow underfoot.
You hear a "whumping" sound as you walk, which indicates that the snow is settling and a slab might release.
Heavy snowfall or rain in the past 24 hours
Significant warming or rapidly increasing temperatures
You see surface patterns on the snow made by the force of strong winds. This could indicate that snow has been transported and deposited in dangerous drifts that could release.
