• Avalanches pose a significant risk in mountainous areas, especially during winter, with approximately 25 deaths annually in the US.
• Avalanches are often triggered by weak layers within the snowpack, exacerbated by factors like heavy snowfall, rain, or human activity.
• Essential safety measures include checking avalanche forecasts, carrying safety gear (transceiver, shovel, probe), and choosing routes that minimize exposure to avalanche paths.