12 Avalanche Deaths In The USA This Season | 55% Below Average

Chris Wallner | Post Tag for BackcountryBackcountry | Post Tag for AvalancheAvalanche
Backcountry Avalanche. Image: News 1130

According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center,ย there have been 12 avalanche fatalities in the United States this season. This is 55% below the season average of 27, but avalanche dangers do still exist. 5 of these deaths have been skiers, 4 of them have been snowmobilers, and the other 3 have been Climbers/Hikers/Snowshoers. Surprisingly, not a single snowboarder has died in an avalanche this season.

Avalanche fatalities by avalanche year. Image: Colorado Avalanche Information Center

There hasn’t been a single avalanche death in Utah or California so far this season. This is the first season in 26 years that no one has died in an avalanche in Utah. California had a huge snow year and so did much of the west, which suggests that avalanche deaths would be on the rise. Thankfully, that isn’t the case.

Avalanche deaths by state. Image: Colorado Avalanche Information Center

In the recent years, backcountry useย has beenย on the rise, while avalanche deaths are on the decline. This is a great sign that general backcountry education is making a difference. Campaigns such as Know Before You Go have had a positive impact on avalanche deaths in the United States. It is important to check the weather and analyze snow conditions before venturing into the backcountry.


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