Some experts say it's also to blame for a recent spike in avalanche deaths. So far this winter season, 32 people have died in US avalanches, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). Lazar says the effects of climate change -- in particular, long drought periods followed by intense precipitation events -- contributed to this season's weak snowpack. "The pandemic has definitely increased the number of people going into the backcountry, which increased our exposure to potential avalanche accidents." "Backcountry skiing provides this escape to a certain extent."

Source: The Nation February 28, 2021 11:09 UTC