Avalanche Safety Efforts Intensify as Backcountry Visits Surge

Forecasters and communities work to educate on avalanche risks amid rising backcountry sports popularity and climate change challenges.

Avalanche forecasters across the U.S. are ramping up efforts to educate the public on safety measures as the popularity of backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling increases.
Climate change and extreme weather conditions have made avalanches more likely, with a 'house of cards' snowpack situation in many mountain ranges.
Technological advances in safety equipment, such as airbags, have helped prevent fatalities, but the inherent risks remain high in areas like Cooke City, Montana.
Local communities and businesses are actively promoting avalanche safety, offering public briefings and requiring the use of specialized rescue equipment.
Despite these efforts, avalanches continue to pose a significant threat, with about 30 people dying each year in the U.S. from such incidents.