"An Act establishing November as Avalanche Awareness Month."

Alaska is avalanche country. Each year Alaska loses more people to avalanches than any other state, regardless of population. During the last four winters alone, 28 Alaskans have died in avalanches. Last winter, avalanche dust clouds hit school buses on Thane road in Juneau two times. It is chilling to think of the possible outcomes. While often little can be done to prevent the occurrence of an avalanche, much can be done to prevent the loss of life from avalanches.

Senate Bill 270 would establish November as Avalanche Awareness Month. This designation would serve to raise public awareness of the hazards associated with avalanches, and of the opportunities to participate in avalanche safety training at the beginning of the winter recreational season. It is hoped that public participation in avalanche safety programs will be increased. This increased participation will equip Alaskans with the skills necessary to survive potentially fatal encounters with avalanches and result in saved lives.

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