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Avalanche Infographics

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Avalanche Infographics

Avalanche Watch vs Warning

Avalanche Danger

Avalanche Safety Tips

Avalanche Warning Signs

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An Avalanche Watch is issued when dangerous avalanche conditions are possible. Be prepared to adjust your plans in case a Warning is issued. An Avalanche Warning is issued when dangerous avalanche conditions currently exist. Avoid avalanche terrain until conditions improve.

2 / 4

An avalanche is a mass of snow moving down a slope. Avalanches kill an average of 30 people in North America each season, and injure many more. 90% of fatal avalanches are triggered by someone in the victim's party. Learn how to plan your visit to the backcountry by visiting avalanche.org

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Avalanche Safety Tips. 1) Get the forecast from your local avalanche center for current snowpack conditions. 2) Get the training: avalanche.org/avalanche-education. 3) Get the Gear and learn how to use it. Transceiver to transmit general location under snow. Probe to pinpoint exact location uner snow. Shovel to dig out your partner. Airbag Pack to increase your chances of staying near the surface of an avalanche.

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Avalanche Warning Signs: 1) Evidence of previous slides. 2) Cracks forming in the snow around you. 3) Strong winds and/or blowing snow. 4) Heavy snowfall or rain in the last 24 hours. 5) Significant warming, or rapidly increasing temperatures. If you see warning signs, leave or avoid potential avalanche terrain!

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
Weather-Ready Nation
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Silver Spring, MD 20910

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