The number of deaths due to avalanches in the West are nearing record numbers. While many are pointing to dangerous snow conditions — with weak materials at the bottom of the snowpack that are perfect for avalanches — others point to an increased number of inexperienced outdoor enthusiasts who came to the West seeking recreation during the pandemic.

So far this winter, 33 winter recreationists have been killed in avalanches, including four in Wyoming. The grim record of 36 deaths was set in 2008 and matched in 2010. The northwest corner of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, including the extremely popular Beartooth Mountain Range, has been fortunate not to have suffered any avalanche-related deaths so far this year. However, Park County Search and Rescue and local volunteers recently had two intensive rescue operations that started without a known location and required air support. The riders weren’t caught in an avalanche, but the danger exists in the area due to snow conditions.

“It’s not a bonding snow right now. It’s just cold weather snow and it’s wind drifting on top of the hills,” said Tim Metzler, a Cody Country Snowmobile Association member from Powell.

Metzler has been steering clear of wilderness boundaries, instead staying in safe areas to ride. According to the Chief Joseph Weather Station, situated at an elevation of 8,800 feet, 46 inches of snow fell during the final week of February. Further south, the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center reports persistent deep slab avalanches remain a threat, and “involvement will almost certainly result in another fatality.” 

Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center advised Sunday winds had increased, causing new snow drifts and fresh slabs. “These slabs are easy for a rider or skier to trigger, and their additional weight increases the chances to trigger a deeper avalanche on weak, sugary snow near the ground.” 

Any amount of wind-loading, with the weak snow buried deep in the snowpack, is reason to opt for more conservative terrain selection. “Avoid wind-loaded slopes, and remain extra cautious of all slopes steeper than 30 degrees,” the center advised.

The key is to know before you go, experts caution. There have been many safety programs closing in-person training across the West due to the pandemic, but educational resources are still available online. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center, which tracks national statistics for mountain recreation safety, started offering online training programs this year. It includes virtual events to groups over 25 and on-demand presentations.

Seeking outdoor recreation has turned many to the great outdoors, said Dede Fales, co-owner of Fales Outfitting.

The company runs guided trips into Yellowstone National Park as well as renting snowmobiles.

“There are a lot of extra people in Cody this winter — escaping the big city lockdowns. They’re looking for things to do and are choosing snowmobiling,” Fales said.

Snowmobile-related tourism continues to increase in North America and beyond, according to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association. “Miles ridden by snowmobilers, which is always predictive of economic impact, showed that riding and related tourism continued on a steady pace compared to previous years,” the association says.

But it’s too early to gauge the effects of the pandemic on the industry. Reports about 2020 sales won’t be released until April.

The Outdoor Industry Association says the best way to avoid stress during these uncertain times is by getting outside. The rush to buy equipment has led to shortages in many outdoor pursuits, including biking, fishing, boating and long lines at campgrounds. Yellowstone National Park broke records for attendance in September and October after opening late and scaling back in response to the pandemic.