Of the 32 U.S. avalanche fatalities in the last ski season, three were in Washington. Avalanches kill more people in the Northwest than any other natural phenomenon, according to the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center in Seattle, a regional forecasting center. People can follow daily snowpack developments by calling the center for avalanche and mountain weather forecasts. Conditions can change throughout the day so it is important to follow snowpack changes, said Kenny Kramer, a meteorologist with the center. Several groups offer avalanche classes that further explain snowpack dangers.
Classes range from basic awareness to route planning and rescue techniques.
But get the training, know what you're up against and then decide.