Winter can be full of all kinds of winter problems and while this isn’t something that necessarily affects Nebraska, avalanches are a serious risk to any of us who like to go to the mountains and hit the slopes. Most likely, as long as we stay where the designated ski paths are, we won’t have any problems. It’s when people venture off the trails and slopes and go into the back country when they endanger their lives. Avalanches can happen naturally or by human intervention. Most avalanches that cause injury or destruction are called a slab avalanche which is a type of avalanche where a large area of snow starts down the mountain at the same time. Sadly, most of the deaths that occur because of avalanches could have been prevented. Areas that are prone to avalanches and are at a point where they become likely are the main places where these deaths and injuries have occurred. Anyone who may be in an avalanche prone area should make sure that they know all they should know concerning safety and have all of the necessary equipment, just in case. An understanding of the avalanche and what to do in the event of one can make all the difference on the slopes. Once an avalanche gets going, it slides down the mountain at incredible speeds!
Weather Last Week
December 30: 22/45/0.6”
December 31: 5/30/0”
January 1: 3/39/0”
January 2: 5/28/Trace
January 3: 9/33/0”
January 4: 10/20/3″
January 5: 4/10/Trace
Forecast discussion for the week ahead:
We’re looking at a relatively mild several days ahead with temperatures in the middle and upper 30s for highs through the weekend and into next week. It will be a little on the breezy side, though, so the wind chill will have a definite bite to it, especially in the mornings. A few weak disturbances will roll through on and off so some snow showers will be possible every other day or so. A relatively normal January forecast!