Avalanche Awareness Education Month
Effective Date: Thursday, November 1st, 2012
WHEREAS, the great Alaskan outdoors are loved by residents and visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, Alaskan snowfall affords many opportunities for outdoor winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, mushing, mountaineering, and the chance to access distant mountainous areas through the use of motorized vehicles. In addition, many Alaskans use the convenience of a snow covered terrain for everyday travel and transportation; and
WHEREAS, there are avalanche slide zones throughout our state, and Alaska continues to have the highest rates of avalanche accidents and deaths in the nation, with most accidents befalling skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers; and
WHEREAS, 90 percent of avalanche fatalities take place in avalanches accidentally triggered by the victim or the victim’s companion. Preparation and knowledge are crucial for preventing or surviving an avalanche as they occur suddenly and very swiftly; and
WHEREAS, influencing the likelihood of an avalanche are many factors, including slope steepness and direction according to the wind, weather, temperature, terrain, vegetation, and snow pack conditions. As different layers of snow accumulate throughout the winter at varying densities and wetness, it can be very difficult to assess the conditions of a snow covered slope; and
WHEREAS, Alaska has numerous educational programs and classes designed to equip outdoorsmen with the necessary information to safely enjoy the snowy months. Avalanche education is a worthwhile pursuit for anyone planning to venture into the Alaskan backcountry. Information on resources for learning safety and technique can be found online at the Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation at dnr.alaska.gov/parks/safety/avalanch.htm.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim November 2012 as:
Avalanche Awareness Education Month
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to recognize the importance of learning about avalanches and gaining winter recreational training in order to safely enjoy all that the great Alaskan outdoors have to offer during the winter months.
Dated: October 29, 2012
