In February 2012, pro skier Elyse Saugstad had a close call with an avalanche in the Cascade Mountains. She was able to react quickly and avoid being caught in the avalanche. Avalanches are a major concern for skiers and snowboarders, as they can be deadly. In the United States, an average of 27 people are killed by avalanches every year.
For an avalanche to occur, there are three main factors that need to come together: the right slope, a layer of strong snow on top of weak snow, and a trigger. The slope needs to be steep enough to allow the snow to build up, but not so steep that it can't hold the snow. The layer of strong snow on top of weak snow is like a big weight that can make the weak snow collapse. A trigger can be something like a skier or a lot of snow that makes the weak snow fall and starts the avalanche.
Once an avalanche is triggered, it can move very quickly, sometimes reaching speeds of over 160 kilometers per hour. The speed and destructiveness of an avalanche depend on the steepness of the slope, the type of snow, and the terrain. Dry, light snow can form a powder cloud and travel quickly, while wet snow can be more destructive but slower. Avalanches can be very dangerous, and it's essential to take precautions when skiing or snowboarding in areas where they can occur. Elyse was lucky to have had a special inflatable airbag that helped her stay near the surface of the snow, making it easier for her to be rescued.
