The Science Behind Avalanches Avalanches are among the most dangerous natural hazards and the science behind their formation and prevention is fascinating. These mass movements of snow often disrupt the operations of ski areas and public roads, leading to significant investments in prevention. Triggered by animals, humans, heavy snowfall, earthquakes, and other natural variables, avalanches have the greatest risk of sliding on slopes greater […] Avalanche Logan Tepper | August 29, 2024 0 Comments
Marco Siffredi: The French Shralpinist Who Disappeared on Everest’s Formidable Hornbein Couloir Marco Siffredi was not your average Joe Shralpinist, especially for his time. He was at the forefront of pushing shralpinism (alpinism with a snowboard descent) to the limits, seeking to descend some of the world’s highest peaks. Snowboarding in some of the world’s most gnarly environments is an inherently dangerous pastime, and with the amount of never-been-done descents that Marco […] Avalanche Dylan Bradley | July 11, 2024 0 Comments
First Avalanche of the Season Reported in New Zealand On July 5, a two-person avalanche involvement was reported in the Ohau backcountry in New Zealand. From the limited information available it seems to have occurred on a steep, wind affected aspect with ongoing wind loading. Out of the group of three, two people were buried but survived as the runout of the avalanche was into open terrain with no […] Avalanche Nathaniel Lewis | July 8, 2024 1 Comment
Highlights From the Utah Avalanche Center 2023/24 Annual Report Utah had another great snowfall year in 2023/24 following the historic snowfall of the 2022-2023 season. Overall, the state saw 131% of the average snowfall setting a record for the snowiest two-year period in state history. From October 2022 to May 2024, Alta Ski Area reported an incredible 1,531 inches of snow—over 127 feet. The Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) released […] Avalanche Brent Thomas | June 26, 2024 0 Comments
[VIDEO] Police Dig Out Driver Trapped in Car After Avalanche Near Valle Nevado, Chile Chilean emergency responders successfully rescued a driver trapped under an avalanche on a mountain road near Santiago on Saturday, June 22. The rescue occurred on Route G-251 in Valle Nevado, where a fierce blizzard created hazardous conditions. Emergency teams battled through deep snowfall to reach the scene. Related: Valle Nevado, Chile, Has Already Gotten 130 Inches of Snow This Season […] Avalanche AvyBrains | June 24, 2024 0 Comments
Skier and His Dog Trigger Avalanche on Beartooth Highway, MT, After Week-Long Road Closure The Beartooth Highway, known for its breathtaking views and access to excellent backcountry terrain, reopened this weekend after a week-long delay due to winter weather. However, within an hour of the reopening, a significant avalanche on the Gardiner Headwall was triggered by backcountry users. Related: Weather-Permitting, Beartooth Highway (US-212) From Red Lodge to Cooke City, MT, Projected to Open June […] Avalanche AvyBrains | June 5, 2024 1 Comment
Beartooth Highway (US 212), WY/MT, Remains Closed Following Avalanche Cowboy State Daily reports that the anticipated opening of the Beartooth Highway (US 212), WY/MT, has been further delayed after an avalanche struck the road this week. The 68-mile highway, which climbs to 10,947 feet in elevation between Montana and Wyoming, was initially scheduled to open for the summer season on May 24. However, a late-season winter storm forced crews […] Avalanche AvyBrains | May 29, 2024 1 Comment
Utah Avalanche Center Releases May 9 Big Willow Cirque Dual-Avalanche Fatality Report Courtesy of the Utah Avalanche Center On Thursday, May 9, 2024, Austin Mallet, 32, and Andrew Cameron, 22, died in an avalanche in the Big Willow drainage of the Wasatch Mountains. On that day around 5:00 AM, they began hiking with a friend, 23, up the Sawmill trail to access the Big Willow Drainage. They intended to use the Big […] Avalanche AvyBrains | May 24, 2024 2 Comments
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