Here’s a friendly reminder that weak layers in the snowpack don’t discriminate between humans and wildlife. The following video was taken by a group of snow-kiters in Switzerland who observed a chamois (small, agile, goat‑like mountain antelope from Europe) triggering an avalanche, get carried by the slide and walk away seemingly unharmed.
Remember, any animal (including humans) crossing a steep, unstable slope can trigger avalanches. This chamois was lucky to walk away unscathed and should serve as a reminder of the dangers of traveling in avalanche terrain.
Before heading into the backcountry, take the time to make sure your avalanche education is up to date. Proper training is the most important tool for staying safe. Know Before You Go is an excellent resource to help you get started or continue building your avalanche safety knowledge. Complacency is the enemy in avalanche terrain. It only takes one poor decision for the outcome to become tragic. Learn more here.
