The virtuous find delight in mountains, the wise in rivers.
Confucius
Introduction
Avalanches are one of the ultimate expressions of the beauty and paradoxical destructive power of nature.
A large powder avalanche in action, viewed from a safe vantage point, provides a thrilling spectacle that at once inspires and horrifies. If people, property or facilities are not threatened, avalanches remain natural phenomena to marvel at.
This website seeks to foster respect for the power of nature as embodied by an avalanche, provide an introductory learning resource on snow safety and avalanche hazard management and to act as a portal to further learning.
By no means is this website intended to replace field avalanche training. I strongly recommend that anyone travelling in the backcountry take a course offered by a qualified avalanche instructor.
Each year, avalanches claim more than 150 lives worldwide, a number that has been increasing over the past few decades.
A few avalanche statistics (Bruser 1993) . . .
- In 90% of avalanche incidents, the VICTIM or someone in the victim's party triggers the avalanche.
- 93% of avalanche victims can be recovered alive if they are dug out within 15 minutes.
- 90% of avalanches occur during or in the 24 hour period immediately after a storm (in countries of maritime climate).
- Most deadly avalanches are slabs. In the formation of slabs wind is the most significant contributor.
- 89% of avalanche victims are male, in their 20's and ¾ of victims are experienced backcountry recreationists.
This website is dedicated to Dave Hiddleston, Bernie Schulke and Dede Rhem.