Where do avalanches mostly occur?

Avalanche facts. An avalanche occurs when a layer of snow collapses and slides downhill. Avalanches are caused by four factors: a steep slope, snow cover, ... The most common causes of death are suffocation, wounds and hypothermia. ... When driving, observe the sign "Avalanche Area-Do Not Stop. read more

Avalanches can occur anywhere in the world where there is snowfall buildup at a particular angle. The Alpine countries of France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy have the greatest number of avalanches and loss of life annually. In the United States, which ranks fifth in avalanche danger, Colorado, Alaska and Utah are the most deadly states. read more

Slab avalanches are the most common type to occur during winter due to fresh snow buildup. A slab detaches from a layer of weaker snow below a compact snow layer and moves forward as a whole block or sometimes breaks into pieces. Wet avalanches frequently occur during the spring thaw or after a warm spell. read more

Avalanches occur in the backcountry where we like to play. Most avalanches occur on slopes between 35 & 45 degrees. Slopes less than 30 degrees rarely produce avalanches, and slopes greater than about 50 degrees tend to sluff off the snow often, and not build up slabs, not to say they will never avalanche down. read more