Recent Avalanches

Keep a record of any reported avalanches, identifying the elevation, aspect, and relative size of each event. Recent avalanche activity is one of the best indicators of an unstable snowpack. Look for clues of recent avalanche activity:

  • Debris piles at the bottom of slopes
  • Recent crown lines
  • Newly damaged trees in avalanche paths
Photograph of debris from a dry slab avalanche

Previous avalanches ran for a reason and another load of snow may start another cycle or release new, even larger avalanches.

Summary table:

Relationship betwen avalanche activity and avalanche potential