Media

Since 1997 forty one snowmobilers have died in avalanches in Montana, the most of any state in the nation.  Twenty of these fatalities occurred in the Gallatin National Forest of southwest Montana, and thirteen occurred during HIGH avalanche danger.  

Slope angle should be one of the first things that comes to mind when traveling in the backcountry. It is a primary factor in every avalanche.  Avalanches happen when four ingredients are present:  a slab, a weak layer, a trigger and a slope angle steep enough to slide, generally between 25-45 degrees.  Not all slopes are steep enough to avalanche and some are too steep to regularly form slabs.  Recognizing what slopes are safe to ride and what slopes are prone to avalanching is an important part of making safe backcountry decisions. 

Statements of “warming” triggered dry snow avalanches have become common in the last few years. The public mentions it frequently and it is increasingly referred to in avalanche advisories and classes. The evidence presented includes increased creep rates, wild swings in net solar radiation and avalanche activity occurring naturally and with human triggers due to warming temperatures. These statements occur with certainty and regularity but with scant data.

Imagine this terrifying scenario:  You are at the top of a slope that just avalanched and buried three of your friends. Only you can save them.  Their survival is up to you alone and the odds are very low because time is not on your side. A person has an 80% chance of surviving if dug up in 10 minutes. This rapidly falls to 20% at 30 minutes. Can you get all three to the surface in 15 minutes?