Tips for avoiding winter's avalanchesPart II

Tips for avoiding winter's avalanches

Part II

All winter recreationalists should be aware that weather factors play a big part in avalanche activity in most all mountains. The U.S. Forest Service has some weather related tips.

Wind - Even during clear weather, sustained winds of over 15 mph may cause danger to increase rapidly when loose surface snow is available for transport. Snow plumes from ridges and peaks indicate that snow is being moved onto leeward slopes. This can create dangerous situations. Leeward slopes are dangerous because wind-deposited snows add depth and may create unstable...