Avalanche hazards and forecasting in the western U.S

This past winter's moderately strong La Nina pattern brought above normal snowfall to much of the mountainous west. While snow is sometimes called "white gold" in this region because of its importance in supplying water for drinking, irrigation and fire suppression, it can also be responsible for what mountain travelers call "white death"-avalanches. Twenty one backcountry travelers died in avalanches by mid January, including three in Colorado.

Recreational activity is increasing in the backcountry; that is, destinations beyond the boundaries of developed ski areas. That is exposing more people-skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoers, climbers and even drivers to avalanche danger. This presentation will examine the factors that lead to an increased risk of avalanches, variations in these factors within the mountainous west, how meteorologists/snow scientists assess that threat to develop avalanche forecasts and how they're working to educate people who expose themselves to the threat of avalanches.