Avalanche
An avalanche, whether massive or minimal, can be detrimental and devastating to anything in its path. There are many different causes and forms of avalanches to be aware of and signs to look for before and while venturing into the backcountry. Coavalancheinfo recently posted a video helping to explain one kind: remotely triggered avalanches.
Avalanches that are triggered in one location and release a distance away are called remotely triggered avalanches. This can happen when a crack starts and then propagates into adjoining terrain before releasing a slab. Therefore, they are pretty unpredictable and a telling sign of an unstable snowpack that has developed persistent weak layers.
These avalanches can pose serious threats to those traveling in the backcountry, even in low-angle or flat terrain. They can be triggered just a few feet above to nearly 1,500 feet below, where they ultimately release.
Whether skiing or split-boarding, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling, being aware of the snowpack and tracking the avalanche forecast is critical to safe and fun recreating. Also, equip yourself with the proper avalanche safety tools like a beacon, probe, and shovel, as well as avalanche training.
