If it seems like you've been reading about avalanches more than usual lately, you're not wrong. The US has recorded 15 fatalities in the last week, the most in a seven-day span since 1910, reports BuzzFeed. The number so far this winter is 21, two shy of last year's total for the entire season, per CBS News. Coverage:
- All over: The recent stats include deadly snow collapses in Utah and Colorado, as well in Montana, California, New Hampshire, and Alaska.
- 2 factors: A specialist with the National Avalanche Center tells BuzzFeed that two factors appear to be at play: One is that the pandemic has led to an increase in people getting outside to hike, ski, snowboard, or ride snowmobiles. The other involves a "weak snowpack," says Simon Trautman.