Avalanche paths, triggers and public‑infrastructure options reviewed
Earls described avalanche path components, common triggers including wind and people, and mitigation measures such as seasonal closures, snow fences, deflection berms and, for major corridors, engineered snow sheds or controlled releases.
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Dr. Andrew Earls defined avalanches as rapid downslope movements of snow, ice and debris and described the starting zone, track and runout components of a path; he recommended planning to avoid siting infrastructure in runout zones when feasible. "An avalanche... is a rapid downslope movement of snow and ice," Earls said, noting avalanches can carry trees and rocks and move much faster than debris flows.
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