Morgan cautioned that the current conditions are setting the stage for a heightened risk of triggering large or very large avalanches for those venturing into the backcountry to enjoy the snowy slopes. These avalanches have the potential to sweep wide across various terrain features and cascade down long distances towards lower elevations, posing a serious threat to anyone caught in their path, potentially resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. The National Avalanche Center has reported a distressing tally of 14 avalanche-related fatalities during the ongoing 2024-2025 season, with a majority of the victims being skiers or snowboarders.
For the latest updates on weather-related risks, consider downloading the free Fox Weather App. The graphic representation below illustrates the avalanche danger levels in the Pacific Northwest. As of Monday, at least eight states across the western United States were grappling with high avalanche risks. However, authorities are particularly concerned about the prevailing conditions in parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
Meteorologist Marissa Torres from FOX Weather highlighted the critical situation, especially in the northern Rockies, due to the warmer air and rain at higher elevations, which are causing instability. While many resorts implement avalanche mitigation measures such as controlled explosions to reduce risks, caution is advised for all outdoor activities in avalanche-prone areas today.
According to data from the Colorado Avalanche Center, an average of 27 individuals have tragically lost their lives in avalanches across the country over the past decade. To enhance awareness of the dangers posed by avalanches and how to respond to an imminent threat, refer to the following graphic displaying Avalanche Warnings in the western regions.
Given the heightened risk, the Flathead Avalanche Center based in Hungry Horse, Montana, has issued an Avalanche Warning for the northwestern part of the state, encompassing all elevations within the Whitefish, Apgar, Swan, and Flathead mountain ranges, as well as parts of Glacier National Park including the McDonald Valley and peaks near Maria’s Pass. This warning is set to remain in effect until at least 6 a.m. Mountain Time on Tuesday.
The National Weather Service bulletin cautions that wet snow avalanches are probable below 6,000 feet, with large to very large natural and triggered avalanches expected above this elevation. Officials strongly advise against travel in avalanche-prone areas, and similar risks may exist in locations beyond the current warning coverage.
Tragically, several incidents of avalanches have already caused injuries and fatalities across the western United States this season. Reports indicate a snowboarder lost his life in an avalanche in Colorado over the past weekend, while another individual was successfully rescued after being buried in an avalanche on Vail Pass in central Colorado last week.
In a dramatic turn of events, video footage captured the miraculous rescue of an individual buried under snow for over an hour. As the region grapples with these devastating events, it is essential
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