US avalanche deaths at 11-year high

The U.S. recorded 36 avalanche fatalities in the 2020-2021 season, the highest number in 11 years, according to data compiled by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

The largest number of deaths were related to skiing, at 17, followed by snowmobilers at 8, snowboarders at 5, snowshoers, climbers and hikers collectively at 5, and one marked “other.”

The number of fatalities recorded this past year surged from the 2019-2020 season, which saw 23 avalanche deaths.

Colorado led the nation in avalanche deaths, recording 12 fatalities over the year.

Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Utah, Washington and Wyoming also reported deaths.

Bloomberg previously reported on these statistics.