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Apr 14, 2021: Is the Corona Virus Pandemic Causing Avalanche Deaths?
Jim Frankenfield, Avalanche-Center.org director
Comments Disabled - It is not a full season later and the spam bots have decided they like this post. If anyone does want to add a comment, or a guest post with a different point of view, please email us.
If you think this headline sounds crazy I have to agree with you. However, numerous articles in the mainstream media over the past 6 weeks or so have made such a claim. Let’s take a closer look at the reality.
The general argument is that the larger number of avalanche fatalities this season is a result of more people, especially newcomers, going into the backcountry. With the emphasis on newcomers the implication is that they lack the training necessary for their endeavors.
First we need to consider whether this season’s figures are really so far out of line with the last 10 years. Second we need to look at the victims and their experience. And finally we need to look at other factors which may offer a more reasonable explanation, such as the nature of the snowpack this season. We can also consider the experience in a couple other countries, including neighboring Canada.
Alternate opinions and theories are welcome, please feel free to comment. All comments are held for moderation but should be approved promptly, within a few minutes to 24 hours in most cases. Guest posts are also welcome, email snow@csac.org to arrange that.
Comments Disabled - It is not a full season later and the spam bots have decided they like this post. If anyone does want to add a comment, or a guest post with a different point of view, please email us.
If you think this headline sounds crazy I have to agree with you. However, numerous articles in the mainstream media over the past 6 weeks or so have made such a claim. Let’s take a closer look at the reality.
The general argument is that the larger number of avalanche fatalities this season is a result of more people, especially newcomers, going into the backcountry. With the emphasis on newcomers the implication is that they lack the training necessary for their endeavors.
First we need to consider whether this season’s figures are really so far out of line with the last 10 years. Second we need to look at the victims and their experience. And finally we need to look at other factors which may offer a more reasonable explanation, such as the nature of the snowpack this season. We can also consider the experience in a couple other countries, including neighboring Canada.
Alternate opinions and theories are welcome, please feel free to comment. All comments are held for moderation but should be approved promptly, within a few minutes to 24 hours in most cases. Guest posts are also welcome, email snow@csac.org to arrange that.
