Jan 10, 2008 3:18 pm US/Mountain
Storms Bring Deadly Avalanches, Great Skiing
DENVER (AP) ―
Powerful storms in the West have delivered the best snow conditions in years, but they've also claimed lives, threatening to make this winter outdoor sports season the deadliest for the region in recent memory.
Avalanches have killed at least 15 people across the West since Nov. 12.
A snowmobiler died in an avalanche in the Snowy Range in southern Wyoming last week.
The national annual average for avalanche deaths is about 25. But the U.S. Forest Service says 35 people were killed nationwide in avalanches during the 2001-2002 season -- the most on record.
Avalanches are the biggest killer, but they are not the only one.
Blizzards, reckless skiing and snowboarding, and suddenly changing weather have also taken their toll.
Bob Comey of the Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center in Jackson said it's important for people to educate themselves on avalanches and unstable terrain and what triggers avalanches.
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