Only 12 Avalanche Fatalities in the USA in 2016/17 – The USA Averages 27 | We Asked 5 Experts Why This Year’s Total Was So Low? There were only 12 Avalanche deaths this winter (2016/17) in the U.S. The annual average is 27. So, what happened? Record breaking snowfall characterized much of the western United States this year, with storm snowfall totals being recorded in feet instead of inches, massive avalanches closing roads all across the nation, and “weather events” that left us all saying “OH MY […] Avalanche LadyBrains | November 14, 2017 3 Comments
NEWS: Worldwide Avalanche Fatalities Up 40% for 2014/2015 With better equipment available these days more skiers and riders are now heading into the backcountry. While the backcountry holds the fresh powder and gnarly terrain many of us are seeking it also has many risks, including avalanches. Avalanches are no joke. There were 137 deaths caused last winter season worldwide. While you will see lots of statistics on avalanche […] Avalanche Jack Lafeman | October 26, 2015 0 Comments
40 Percent Rise in Deaths in the Backcountry Last Winter With winter just around the corner and dreams of powder becoming more frequent there are also sobering reminders of the dangers associated with skiing and snowboarding in the backcountry. Last year in Europe 137 people were killed in incidents in the European backcountry involving avalanches, that’s more than 40% above average. Avalanche Michael Moranz | October 15, 2015 0 Comments
New Study: Human Error Causes 75% of High Altitude Avalanche Fatalities A recent analysis of avalanche fatalities on the worlds highest peaks suggests that 75% of those fatalities were the result of poor decision making and forecasting. The Himalayas hold every peak on Earth over 7,000 (23,000 ft) meters including 14 over 8,000 meters. Obviously, above 8,000 meters (26,000 ft), the “death zone”, mountaineers becomes very dangerous. Avalanche SnowBrains | September 3, 2015 0 Comments
Avalanche Deaths DOWN 60% for USA in 2014/15: The USA has averaged 28 avalanche fatalities per year over the past 10 winters. This winter, there have only been 11 avalanche fatalities. That is an enormous drop in avalanche deaths. That’s 60% less avalanche deaths this year than the annual average. “Over the last 10 winters an average of 28 people died in avalanches every year in the United States.” – Colorado Avalanche Information Center The first question we all ask is: Why were there so many less avalanche deaths in 2014/15? The answer is fairly obvious: There wasn’t much snow in 2014/15. […] Avalanche SnowBrains | May 29, 2015 2 Comments
75 Avalanche Deaths in Europe This Winter As of February 10th, 2015, Europe has already seen 75 avalanche deaths this winter. 68 of those deaths have occurred in the Alps. 75 avalanche deaths is a lot. In 2011/12, Europe saw 68 deaths all winter. In 2013/14, Europe saw 80 avy deaths all winter. In 2010/11, Europe saw 83 avy deaths all winter. We’re at 75 with many months of avalanche season left in Europe (avalanches kill many climbers in summer in the Alps). This year could end up with a devastating number of avalanches potentially worse than 2012/14 when Europe had 107 avalanche deaths. Europe is generally at around 30 to 40 […] Avalanche SnowBrains | February 16, 2015 3 Comments
Two Skiers Killed in Austrian Avalanche | 6 Avy Deaths in 2015 On Monday afternoon, an avalanche in Western Austria left two skiers dead and one in critical condition. A group of seven Germans were skiing off piste at St. Anton am Alberg, when one skier triggered an avalanche, carrying four of them over 2,600 feet down the mountain. A mountain guide observed the incident and called on rescue crews, which brought the alpine police, mountain rescue services, and three helicopters to help. Tragically, two men were pronounced dead at the scene. One of the four men, who was severely injured, was transported by helicopter to a hospital in […] Avalanche ameliatraynor | January 22, 2015 0 Comments
12 Dead from 10 Avalanches in the Alps Last Week The southern European Alps received a huge storm over Christmas week (Dec. 23rd to 26th) that dropped up to 6-feet of snow in 24 hours. This heavy snow fell along with 130 MPH winds creating large windslabs on top of a very weak layer. The combination of this snow, wind, and weak […] Avalanche SnowBrains | December 30, 2013 7 Comments
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