Contrary to popular belief, it is not only people standing on top of ridges or in the middle of a steep slopes who can be caught in deadly slides. People standing at the bottom of susceptible terrain can be struck by the runout of an avalanche. So it's not just the daring who must be aware of dangerous conditions. When a slab of snow breaks loose, it unleashes great power, often moving at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour. Avalanches snap trees as if they were toothpicks and toss around boulders.
Most people caught in avalanches die.
The force of tons of sliding snow easily breaks bones and causes severe internal injuries. Those not killed of injuries usually suffocate. Even small avalanches, with just a few inches of sliding snow, are very dangerous. Here are tips on how to avoid avalanches and how to prepare yourself and friends for travel into hazardous terrain. Take an avalanche awareness course.