How to Avoid Triggering an Avalanche

By Utah law, the first week of December is Avalanche Awareness Week! And with good reason. According to the Utah Avalanche Center, five Utahns were killed by avalanches just last winter. You don’t have to be deep in the backcountry to be on guard for the “whump,” so get the basics now so you’re ready when the snow … finally … arrives.

When Nature Causes Avalanches

In Utah, dry slab avalanches are the most common and deadly, traveling 60-80 miles per hour. They happen when heavy snow rapidly falls on weaker snow layers, causing the weaker layer to break off in a “slab” and slide down the slope. Wind is the most common cause of avalanches — when heavy winds move snow from one side of the mountain to the other.

Wet avalanches are caused by melting snow and happen in spring.

How Do Humans Cause Avalanches?

Not through sound (that’s a myth!). But, in 90% of all avalanche accidents, the avalanche was triggered by the victim or someone in the victim's party, according to the Utah Avalanche Center. Just like the pressure of snow falling on top of weaker underlying layers, the pressure that human activity adds can cause a slab avalanche.

Warning Signs of an Avalanche

• Cracks in the snow around your feet
• If the ground feels hollow
• A rapid rise in temperature
• The “whump” sound of settling snow underfoot

Local Avy Safety Events

The Utah Avalanche Center is hosting events with mock avalanche rescue drills, direction on how to dig a snow pit and use a beacon, wilderness first aid demonstrations, and activities for kids this week!

Tuesday, Dec. 2

• 22nd Annual Pray 4 Snow Party at The Cache | Logan (6-9 p.m.)

Wednesday, Dec. 3

• Beacon Practice at The Pinebrook Public Beacon Park | Park City (4-6:30 p.m.)
• Know Before You Go at USU | Logan (7-9 p.m.)
• Know Before You Go at Weber State | Ogden (6-7:30 p.m.)
• Blue Ice and Billy Haas: The Mindset Shift at Lone Pine Gear Exchange | SLC (7:30-9:30 p.m.)

Thursday, Dec. 4

• Ogden Avalanche Backcountry Bash at The Monarch | Ogden (6-9 p.m.)

Friday, Dec. 5

• Introduction to Avalanche Rescue | SLC (8 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
• Pinebrook Beacon Park Opening at Park City Day School | Park City (4-6:30 p.m.)

Saturday, Dec. 6

• 18th Annual Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW) at Wasatch Jr High School (4-8 p.m.)

⛄ Always check the conditions and read our safety guide before you go playing in snowy mountains!