In the first week of February, at least 14 people were killed in avalanches in the U.S., making it one of the deadliest weeks in 100 years. This comes despite advances in weather forecasting, personal safety equipment, education and training. There is no doubt that the mountains can be a perilous place. Still, safety is possible, but it requires nearly monastic focus and careful planning when conditions are dangerous. Even after all that, you have to stick to the plan and be ready with contingencies when the unexpected occurs.
Recent avalanche activity shows a pattern of larger avalanches recently and some running longer than expected. Despite low snow volume for this time of the season, bed surfaces are almost slippery, wind has concentrated snow in start zones, and avalanches are reaching areas that people haven't seen in recent memory.
Years like this are uncommon but not unheard of. Avalanches occur on a geologic timescale, with landscape-altering events occurring infrequently. It's a timescale more akin to massive floods than severe thunderstorms, as far as the frequency of severe events goes. Most people never see big avalanches in their lives. Others live through a historic avalanche cycle like March 2019 in Colorado.
This year, your previously used travel plans might not be safe. Long-running avalanches are always possible, but this year they are more likely. Keep your planning and communication tight and focused on careful travel and don't be afraid to adjust your plans if you get new information along the way.
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