The graph to the left shows number of avalanche deaths in the USA. If one were to look at the statistics in other countries they would look similar. The reason is the snow is changing. The snows are wetter and less stable. When snow is wet rather than fluffy, it is heavier causing greater incidence of avalaches.

The CAIC (click here) staff investigate fatal avalanches in Colorado. CAIC forecasters post preliminary information within 24 hours. Once they visit the site and speak to the people involved, they publish a final Accident Report. Final Reports may take a week or more to compile, check, and publish.

November 1, 2018

Climate change (click here) has become a factor in climbers' decisions about when to venture into the Southern Alps.

While climbing in spring risks avalanches, climate change is - more frequently than in the past - presenting another obstacle for climbers who wait for summer.

Owner of Wanaka guiding company Adventure Consultants, Guy Cotter, said yesterday this is the time of the year when climbing begins to "ramp up".

"This whole November, early December period is a very popular time for climbing the big mountains here."...