February 2000
Avalanches: Fatalities, Education, and Awareness
As many of you know, the snowpack in Colorado is unstable this year. This is due to the dryness at the beginning of the year, wind-loading, and several occasions where rain has fallen, among other things. To date, there have been six avalanche deaths in Colorado. Three of these occurred right after heavy snows hit in late January. Elsewhere in the United States, six people have lost their lives due to avalanches. Please educate yourself and don't become a statistic.
The BSA has continued its listing of avalanche courses this year. Posters containing a full list of avalanche courses given throughout the state have been distributed to outdoor shops. Look for our course list in your favorite shop! And be sure to thank the shop for supporting the BSA.