Avalanches are becoming an increasingly dangerous threat to winter outdoor enthusiasts, with an average of 25 people dying each year in the United States from these powerful snow slides. The recent avalanche near Lake Tahoe in February 2026 has once again highlighted the deadly potential of these natural disasters.
Avalanches occur when two key conditions are met: a slope of 30 degrees or more and layers of snow that can shear off and slide downhill. According to the National Avalanche Center, these snow masses can reach speeds of up to 80 mph within seconds, making them impossible to outrun.
What makes avalanches particularly dangerous is that 90% of slides causing injury or death are triggered by the victim or a companion. Extra pressure on a snowpack from weight, wind, rain, heavy snow, or motion can cause layers to break away and slide downhill.
There are three main types of avalanches: loose snow slides (sluffs), slab avalanches (when a large layer breaks away), and cornice collapses. Slab avalanches account for most fatalities, according to the Sierra Avalanche Center.
Recent avalanche incidents highlight the dangers. A devastating avalanche struck near Lake Tahoe in California's Sierra Nevada mountains on Wednesday (February 18), trapping 15 people. On Thursday, rescuers recovered the bodies of eight skiers and are still looking for a ninth missing person. In January 2026, a snowmobiler died after being buried in California's Sierra Nevada. In 2025, a skier perished on Alaska's Mount McKinley after triggering an avalanche, and three heli-skiers were killed near Girdwood, Alaska.
For those who venture into avalanche-prone areas, experts recommend essential safety gear: an avalanche beacon or transceiver, a shovel, and a probe pole. Avalanche airbag backpacks can also help keep a person closer to the surface during a slide.
Most ski resorts have avalanche protocols, including checking snowpack stability and using remote detonations to trigger slides intentionally before allowing skiers on slopes. However, the backcountry presents much higher risks.
Outdoor enthusiasts can check forecasts at regional avalanche centers or www.avalanche.org before heading out. Using the buddy system and being trained in wilderness first aid are also crucial safety measures.
As winter recreation continues to grow in popularity, understanding avalanche risks and proper safety protocols becomes increasingly important for anyone planning to enjoy snow-covered mountains.