3. When and where avalanches happen
Although avalanches can occur on any slope given the right conditions, in the United States certain times of the year and certain locations are naturally more dangerous than others. Wintertime, particularly from December to April, is when most avalanches will "run" (slide down a slope). However, avalanche fatalities have been recorded for every month of the year.
The highest number of fatalities occurs in January, February and March, when the snowfall amounts are highest in most mountain areas. A significant number of deaths occur in May and June, demonstrating the hidden danger behind spring snows and the melting season that catches many recreationists off-guard. During the summer months, it is often climbers who are caught in avalanches.
In the United States, 514 avalanche fatalities have been reported in 15 states from 1950 to 1997. Colorado has the infamous reputation for being home to about one third of those deaths. Western states account for the majority of fatalities. Northeastern states experience relatively few avalanches in comparison. Arizona's single avalanche death was an out-of-bounds snowboarder killed in 1995. For more information, see the statistics compiled by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
While expertise is not a guarantee that you won't be caught in an avalanche, it does provide some basic knowledge about how to avoid avalanche areas, what types of weather and terrain signs to watch for, and what to do if you are caught in an avalanche - all information that may save you or other members of your party.