Avalanche threat in Montana!!

****Avalanches occur throughout the mountains of Montana and, to a
limited extent, elsewhere in the state. The avalanche hazard most
directly threatens winter recreationists, homes and businesses in
mountainous regions, and communication and transportation networks
throughout the highlands.

Montana's borders bracket a region in which many avalanches occur.
Two of Montana's ski areas, Bridger Bowl and Big Sky, are respectively
the second and fourth most avalanche-prone ski resorts in the entire
United States.

Terrain: If it is assumed that an accumulation of snow is possible
anywhere in Montana, then we can evaluate the potential for hazard
solely on the basis on terrain characteristics. Other terrain factors
affecting the magnitude and frequency of avalanche activity include
slope length, shape, roughness, aspect and elevation. Weather:
Weather variables, especially snowfall, affect the timing and duration
of hazardous snow avalanche conditions. Wind is another critical
weather variable capable of depositing large amount of dense snow into
starting zones. Temperature is a weather factor that affects the
physical nature of the snow pack.

The complex interaction of all these weather and terrain factors
contributes to the location, size and timing of avalanches. In the
absence of detailed scientific observation, any accumulation of snow
on a slope steeper than 20 degrees should be considered a potential
avalanche hazard.

Avalanches could affect the state of the mountain which would
affect business. Montana is a major tourist attraction during the
winter season because of the excellent ski hills. We need to be very
cautious of the threat of avalanches in order to keep skiers safe and
happy.

So are Montana's ski resorts in jeopardy because of possible
avalanches?