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Social Media: Avalanches

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Social Media: Avalanches
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Please help the National Weather Service spread these important safety messages on social media! Everyone is welcome to use the text and images provided below to help the NWS build a Weather-Ready Nation.

Avalanche Danger

Facebook
90% of fatal avalanches are triggered by someone in the victim’s party. Learn how to safely plan your visit to the backcountry by visiting avalanche.org

Twitter
90% of fatal avalanches are triggered by someone in the victim’s party. Learn how to safely plan your visit to the backcountry by visiting avalanche.org

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 Watch vs Warning

Facebook
An Avalanche WATCH means Be Prepared.
An Avalanche WARNING means Take Action!
avalanche.org

Twitter
An Avalanche WATCH means Be Prepared.
An Avalanche WARNING means Take Action!
avalanche.org

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.

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Avalanche Safety Tips

Facebook
If you’re heading on a trip to the backcountry, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of an avalanche. Make sure to have an updated forecast and get the correct gear to help keep you and your party safe. avalanche.org

Twitter
If you’re heading on a trip to the backcountry, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of an avalanche. Make sure to have an updated forecast and get the correct gear to help keep you and your party safe. avalanche.org

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

Facebook
There are many warning signs that indicate that an avalanche may occur. If you see any of these warning signs, leave or avoid potential avalanche terrain. avalanche.org

Twitter
There are many warning signs that indicate that an avalanche may occur. If you see any of these warning signs, leave or avoid potential avalanche terrain. avalanche.org

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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Avalanches While Driving

Facebook
Avalanches can pose a very real danger to drivers on mountain roads. If you are caught in an avalanche, stay in your vehicle and turn off the engine to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning from a clogged tailpipe.
Avoid danger in the first place by heeding warning signs and not driving around barriers - and be Weather-Ready by equipping your car with an emergency kit.
weather.gov/safety/winter-avalanche

Twitter
Avalanches can pose a very real danger to drivers on mountain roads. If you are caught in an avalanche, stay in your vehicle and turn off the engine to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning from a clogged tailpipe. weather.gov/safety/winter-avalanche

Beware Avalanche Danger! Heed warning signs and do not drive around barriers. If caught in an avalanche, stay in your vehicle and turn off the engine. Have an emergency kit for your vehicle.

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