Don't Die in an Avalanche! PLUS - Frightening Avalanche Videos

If you're like me, winter doesn't stop you from heading out into the back-country. And it shouldn't. The scenery, serenity, and solitude that comes from hiking and snowshoeing in the mountains this time of year can't be beat. I absolutely love it.

But with the fun, comes a danger we don't have to deal with in the summer and fall...Avalanches!

Are YOU prepared to deal with an avalanche?

Here are a few avalanche stats for you:

1. Most victims trigger their own avalanche.

2. Wind is the most common cause of avalanches.

3. Avalanche victims are almost exclusively back-country recreationists: snowmobilers, climbers,snowboarders, snowshoers, skiers and hikers.

4. From 1950-2007, there have been approximately 824 avalanche fatalities in the
United States. Colorado Avalanche Information Center)

5. Colorado led all other states with 221 avalanche fatalities from 1950-2007.
Alaska came in second with122 deaths.

6. Dry slab avalanches account for almost all avalanche fatalities.

7. Dry slab avalanches typically travel 60-80 miles per hour. They reach these speeds within about 5 seconds after they fracture. Wet avalanches usually travel much slower, around 20 miles per hour.

Don't get caught in an avalanche. Read the Colorado Mountain Club's article "8 Steps to Reducing Your Avalanche Risk". It is one of the best (and shortest) articles I've seen that summarizes the process for reducing a person's chance of getting in an avalanche situation.

Don't "wing-it". Know what you're doing in the back-country. Take an avalanche safety course. It may save your life or your friends' lives. Click HERE to view a list of avalanche course providers near you.

Are you curious as to what it would be like to actually be caught in an avalanche? You're' sick, man!

WARNING: Not for the faint-of-heart...Seriously.

Want another avalanche video? Here you go...

The Avalanche From Hell

Be safe out there!!!