* Because of unusually stable snow conditions last winter, only 45 unintentional human-triggered avalanches were reported in the backcountry (the average is 100). The slides caught 43 people, partially or fully buried 17 and injured nine.
* An estimated 10,000 natural avalanches occur each winter in Utah.
* In 90 percent of accidents, the avalanche is triggered by the victim or someone in the victim's party.
* Snowmobilers are almost twice as likely to die in an avalanche as other types of recreationalists.
* Treeless slopes of 35 to 45 degrees, similar to Alf's High Rustler at Alta, are most prone to avalanches. A typical dry snow avalanche travels 60-80 mph.
* Three-quarters of avalanche victims die from asphyxiation, most of the rest from the trauma of hitting trees and rocks.
* Half of completely buried avalanche victims die within 25 minutes. Only 5 percent survive after two hours.
Source: Utah Avalanche Center
