Avalanches

Avalanches are sudden, powerful flows of snow, ice, and debris that cascade down mountain slopes, often without warning. They are triggered by a variety of factors including heavy snowfall, rapid temperature changes, human activity, and vibrations. While most common in high-altitude, snow-prone regions of the western United States (such as Colorado, Utah, Alaska, California’s Sierra Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest), avalanches can occur anywhere snow accumulates on steep terrain.

For outdoor enthusiasts, backcountry travelers, residents near avalanche-prone slopes, and winter recreation areas, the risk of being caught in an avalanche is serious. Every year, avalanches claim lives, bury infrastructure, cut off mountain roads, and endanger first responders.

Risk Factors

  • Steep terrain (typically 30° to 45° slopes)

  • Recent heavy snowfall or rapid warming

  • Human activity (skiers, snowmobiles, hikers, blasting)

  • Layers of unstable snowpack

  • Lack of vegetation (forests help anchor snow)

  • Vibrations from machinery or soundwaves

Preparedness Actions

Before an Avalanche

  • Know Your Terrain: Avoid known avalanche paths and terrain traps (valleys, gullies, below cornices).

  • Check Conditions: Always check avalanche forecasts from local Avalanche Centers before traveling into snowy backcountry areas.

  • Gear Up Smart: Carry avalanche safety equipment—avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, and if possible, an avalanche airbag pack.

  • Take a Class: Enroll in an avalanche safety course through AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education).

  • Travel in Groups: Never travel alone in avalanche terrain. Keep members spaced out and in visual contact.

  • Plan Escape Routes: Always identify safe zones and escape paths before entering high-risk zones.

  • Register Your Trip: Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.

During an Avalanche

  • Shout and Try to Escape: Yell to alert others and attempt to move sideways to get out of the slide path.

  • Drop Gear if Necessary: Discard heavy packs if they hinder mobility.

  • Create an Air Pocket: If caught and being buried, cup your hand over your mouth to create a breathing space.

  • Try to Stay on Top: Use swimming motions to stay near the surface.

  • Anchor if Possible: Grab trees or rocks if you’re near the edge and it’s safe to do so.

After an Avalanche

  • Call for Help Immediately: Time is critical—survival chances drop sharply after 15 minutes of burial.

  • Begin a Beacon Search: If you have avalanche beacons, switch to search mode and use probes to locate victims.

  • Mark the Last Seen Point: This is crucial for accurate searching.

  • Avoid Secondary Slides: Avalanche danger may still be high—move carefully.

Recovery Guidance

  • Seek psychological support—survivors often suffer from trauma and survivor’s guilt.

  • Document the event for rescue and insurance records.

  • Report the incident to local avalanche centers for data tracking and research.

Key Resources

  • Avalanche.org
    The national hub for avalanche forecasts in the United States, managed by the National Avalanche Center. Offers regional avalanche danger ratings, recent activity reports, weather data overlays, and links to local avalanche forecast centers.
    avalanche.org
  • Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC)
    Provides detailed avalanche forecasts, recent incident reports, and snowpack analysis for Colorado and nearby regions. A highly respected source used by professionals and recreational users alike.
    avalanche.state.co.us
  • Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC)
    Covers Washington and Oregon with up-to-date bulletins, education material, and region-specific snowpack and danger zone assessments.
    nwac.us
  • National Weather Service Avalanche Safety Portal
    Includes national weather advisories, mountain weather conditions, and links to avalanche warnings and public safety notices.
    weather.gov/safety/avalanche
  • BeaconCheck.org
    Allows you to test and verify that your avalanche beacon/transceiver is functioning properly before entering avalanche terrain.
    beaconcheck.org

Recommended Apps

  • Avanet
    Designed for backcountry users, Avanet offers real-time avalanche hazard layers, slope angle shading, offline maps, and field observations from other users. Also enables sharing trip plans and location tracking.
    avtraining.org/avanet
  • Gaia GPS
    A powerful mapping tool for backcountry navigation. Users can download topographic maps with slope angle overlays, snow coverage data, and route planning features. Offers offline access for remote areas.
    gaiagps.com
  • MyRadar
    Weather tracking app with radar overlays that include snow accumulation, wind conditions, and mountain forecast layers. Supports real-time updates during rapidly changing weather.
    myradar.com
  • FATMAP
    An advanced 3D mapping and terrain analysis app used by skiers and mountaineers. Offers avalanche-prone terrain overlays, elevation tools, and offline route management for mountain zones.
    fatmap.com