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Avalanche fatalities have been recorded for every month of the year. Highest number of fatalities: January, February, and March Snowfall are highest in most mountain areas. Followed by: May and June Spring snows and the melting season often catch recreationists off-guard. World's Greatest Single Avalanche The world's greatest single avalanche disaster occured in Peru in 1962. 8 villages and towns were destroyed in just 7 mintues and more than 3500 lives were lost. The avalanche finally stopped after travelling 10 miles with the pile of snow over 60 feet deep. The victims could hardly move. Many died from the cold, lack of oxygen or injuries. Of all the victims, only about 5% were rescued. Avalanche Control in Canada One of the world's largest anti-avalanche programs is operated at Rogers Pass in Canada's Selkirk Mountains. Soldiers use gunfire to release avalanches and protect a 25 mile stretch of road from 160 separate avalanche paths. |