Avalanche Fatality Statistics: 2021-2022

New Google Map with locations of US Fatalities from 2021-2022

The graphs below illustrate the seasons fatalities and fatal incidents according to different criteria. The first set shows the season in the context of the previous 10 years, the second set categorizes the seasons recreational fatalities by different parameters.

We have archived 14 fatal incidents with 17 fatalities in the US for the 2021-22 season. All but one could be considered recreational snow avalanche accidents, not involving ski areas or commercial operations, roof avalanches, or cases where an avalanche was a secondary factor. These recreational incidents are ones in which the parties were responsible for making their own risk management decisions and plans in the backcountry or "side country". One incident involved a heli-ski guiding operation where professionals are responsible for risk management on behalf of the clients.

The seasons archived incidents can be found in the database now, members have full-featured searching and the general public can execute searches with some limitations.

Hot! - We have a book on this seasons fatal incidents prepared which is currently only available in draft form online as a flipbook for members. If you are a member log into the members area and there is a link. It should be available on Kindle soon, free to members and for a cost to others. To become a member please contribute.

Cumulative Statistics - Comparisons with last 10 seasons

Click on any graph for a larger version.

Avalanche Fatalities 2012-2021

This graph shows the number of all avalanche incidents and fatalities for each of the past 10 seasons. The flat lines are the ten year averages.

Recreational Avalanche Fatalities 2012-2021

This graph shows the number of all recreational avalanche incidents and fatalities for each of the past 10 seasons. Ski area in-bounds incidents and roof avalanches have been removed from the data here so the numbers are a bit lower.

Avalanche Fatalities 2012-2021; All vs Recreational

This is a composite of the above two graphs. This shows more directly the difference between all incidents and recreational ones only. During the 2021-22 season there was one commercial operation incident. There were also few multi-fatality incidents, in contrast to the previous season.

Avalanche Fatalities 2012-2021 by State

This graph shows the percentage of incidents in each state for the past 10 seasons (blue) and the 2021-22 season (red). This graph has all incidents included.
Avalanche Fatalities 2012-2021 by Month

This graph shows the percentage of fatalities in each month for the past ten seasons (blue) and the 2021-22 season (red). It includes all avalanche fatalites.

Graphs for Statistics of just the 2021-22 Season

All of the below graphs include only "recreational" incidents, meaning those where the party directly took personal responsibility for their activities, their rescue abilities, and the outcomes. During this season all but one incident fall into that category. One was a commercial heli-ski incident where the operation is responsible for risk management. The total number of incidents is 14 and the total number of fatalities is 17 (or 13/16 recreational).

Avalanche Fatalities 2021-2022 by State

Alaska had one incident with one fatality, which was related to commercial heli-skiing and is not included. Utah had no fatal incidents this season although there were close calls. Including one guided group.

Avalanche Fatalities 2021-2022 by Month

This distribution is not much out of the ordinary. The early season numbers were shifted from January to December compared to most years. Despite concerns in the northwest during climbing season there were no fatalities.

Avalanche Fatalities 2021-2022 by Activity

Non-motorized incidents and fatalities were greater this season than mechanized ones. The one commercial incident which is omitted was skiing (heli-assisted). There were two snowshoeing incidents this season which is unusual.

Avalanche Fatalities 2021-2022 by Danger Rating

In one case the level was in an area with no advisory, although it was close to an area rated Moderate. Another was climbing at the end of May when advisories had ended. Most incidents are in Considerable or Moderate conditions, one unexpected one was in an area rated Low.

Avalanche Fatalities 2021-2022 by number buried

This chart shows incidents and fatalities by snow climate. Only 1 was in a maritime area. Two are considered "other".