Colorado Avalanche Disasters

Throughout Colorado's history its mountains have been the focus of its economic development but along with the attraction there has been an attendant danger. Avalanches have taken their toll on travelers, miners, and skiers. Avalanches cause more property damage, deaths, and injuries in Colorado than any other state in the Union, including Alaska.In Colorado Avalanche Disasters you will relive the sacrifices, despair, and elation of men, women, and children who faced Colorado's greatest avalanche disasters. These true tales carry the reader throughout the mountains of Colorado -- from the northern ranges to the southern San Juans.John Jenkins graduated from Western State College with a degree in history. He is descended from a pioneering Colorado family -- his being the fourth generation. He has written articles on Colorado history for the Colorado Mountain Club, worked seasonally as a park ranger in Alaska and helped place the American Mountaineering Center in Golden on the National Register of Historic Places. For recreation he enjoys telemark skiing and climbing Colorado's high peaks. This is his first book.

The present mortality as a result of snow avalanches exceeds the average mortality caused by earthquakes as well as all other forms of slope failure combined. Snow avalanches can range from small amounts of loose snow moving rapidly down a slope to slab avalanches, in which large chunks of snow break off and destroy everything in their path. Although considered a hazard in the United States since the westward expansion in the nineteenth century, in modern times snow avalanches are an increasing concern in recreational mountainous areas. However, programs for snow avalanche hazard mitigation in other countries are far ahead of those in the United States. The book identifies several steps that should be taken by the United States in order to establish guidelines for research, technology transfer, and avalanche legislation and zoning.

In Avalanches, readers will learn about the different conditions that can trigger an avalanche and the warning signs to ensure safety. This title will allow students to track historical facts and future improvements while gauging their understanding with a variety of reading comprehension tools. The Devastating Disasters series captures readers' attention with captivating photographs, descriptions, and factoids of catastrophes ranging from technology failure to destructive weather. Each 48-page book features engaging before- and after-reading sections that prompt readers to understand the impact these events have on society and the environment.

Describes how and why avalanches happen, the damage they cause, ways to avoid and survive this natural disaster, and famous avalanches of the past.

Snow avalanches are a great hazard to life and property in the mountain regions of the U.S. As the population in these regions increases, and the use of the mountains for recreation grows, the potential for an avalanche catastrophe rises. Various methods for coping with the hazard are discussed and evaluated in terms of their effectiveness in reducing losses. Bibliography and literature review are contained.

In an instant, an avalanche can turn a picture-perfect winter scene into a deadly disaster. Huge sheets of snow and ice can race down a mountain at 50 miles (81 kilometers) per hour or faster. Avalanches can toss cars, snap trees, and crush buildings in their path, sometimes burying an entire village in tightly packed snow. With dramatic images and first-hand survivor stories plus the latest facts and figures this book shows you avalanche disasters up close.

DEADLY, DRAMATIC, and WILD... Words that best describe this collection of stories recounting Colorado's long history of catastrophes. In Colorado Disasters, Boulder-based historian and educator Phyllis J. Perry chronicles the Centennial State’s gamut of natural and human-caused disasters, from floods, mudslides and avalanches, to massive wildfires, deadly explosions, train wrecks, airplane crashes, monster tornadoes, and more. Perry honors the survivors and many heroic rescuers who risked their lives to save others. “Most of these stories offer excellent lessons in how to survive a disaster, Perry says. “And they can inspire us to do the right thing when the world turns upside down and your neighbors need help.” Covering more than 150 years of catastrophes, Perry’s careful research and lively writing brings to life the true stories—at turns heart-stopping and heroic—of the victims, survivors, and rescuers who were there. Riveting details from first-person accounts Amply illustrated with more than 70 photographs

Summaries of accidents with analysis of causes and rescue efforts.

An earthquake shakes a snow-covered mountain. The fresh snow slides down. It's an avalanche!