The Colorado Avalanche Information Center, better known as the CAIC, released their annual report today and the news is good– for the most part.
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Out of a total of 2,977 observed/reported avalanches over the course of the past season, only one person was caught and killed. That fatality occurred in the Flattops range of Northern Colorado and involved two people riding Timber Sleds in an area where motorized transportation is prohibited. Besides the single fatality, 80 others were caught in slides but survived.
In addition to the lack of avalanche fatalities last year, CAIC is also proud to show off its booming educational programs, whose enrollment rose from 4,000 students in 05/06 to roughly 7,000 in 16/17. Avalanche professionals hope that the increase is having a direct correlation on the downturn in avalanche-related fatalities.
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