Annual Avalanche Report Shows Colorado and Montana Have the Highest Rates of Avalanche Fatalities
Natural wet loose avalanche slide in Beehive Basin, Montana, May 5, 2022. pc: mtavalanche
The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center’s (GNFAC) annual avalanche report was recently released. It shows Colorado to have the highest number of avalanche fatalities over the last ten years (64). Montana was ranked 2nd with 33—still six higher than the national average of 27.
Avalanche Fatalities by State over last 10 years (2011-12 to 2021-22), GNFAC Report. pc: mtavalanche
Montana is an increasingly popular place to ski and snowboard in the United States. As GNFAC Director Doug Chabot explains in an interview with NBC, “People are coming from all over the place to come here (Montana) because it’s not very crowded. We’ve got great snow, we’ve got great mountains. And so, the recreational opportunities are incredible.”
Chabot believes these unfortunate tragedies are due to several factors. He sees many visitors who arrive unprepared for the mountains. They don’t know how to use their equipment, may be unfamiliar with the area, or worse, unaware of the inherent avalanche risks.
Natural avalanche slide on Crowne Butte, Cooke City, Montana, estimated April 24, 2022. pc: mtavalanche
Chabot goes on to say, “It’s a lack of education. It’s a lack of avalanche awareness. And you know, we’re trying to reach out to this population to let them know that we’re even here, that, you know, there is an Avalanche Center.”
Chabot’s recommendations are simple, yet incredibly important and worth repeating even for the most experienced skiers.
Sign up for an avalanche safety course. Now is a great time if you haven’t already done so. (Or review previous course materials including any recent updates.)
Practice using your avalanche gear. You need to be an absolute pro in the field, searching smoothly and efficiently.
Sign up for your local avalanche advisory bulletin. Here’s a list of the U.S. Avalanche Centers compiled by Avalanche.org.
Read, learn and always ask questions! It never hurts to improve your knowledge and use the experience of others to help you make better decisions.
How are you managing avalanche risks this season? What do you plan to do to stay safe?
Crown from a natural avalanche, North Bridger Bowl, Montana, May 9, 2022. pc: mtavalanche