Avalanche

The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort has experienced avalanche activity from three separate drainages. In particular, during the winter of 2004/2005 the ski area experienced avalanches with unprecedented run-out distances. Avalanches within winter resort areas are generally divided into two categories:

  1. Slopes which, under normal circumstances, present an avalanche hazard for part of the winter season and with the proper preparation and control, can be used for ski/snowboard terrain. These trails are steep, advanced and expert terrain which may be avalanche prone early in the winter but can usually be stabilized and opened for regular sliding.
  2. The second category indicates the minority of avalanche prone slopes within the resort area which, due to their steepness and wind transport patterns, are capable of generating recurring avalanche problems throughout the entire winter season. These types of avalanches require continuous monitoring and control measures.

The main incline of avalanche starting zones is approximately 40 degrees (84 percent). While large avalanches are not common on slopes below 30 degrees (58 percent), given the right conditions, minor activity may be initiated by sliders on slopes as slight as 22 degrees (40 percent). Under certain conditions, therefore, we may expect a low, intermittent hazard on advanced and expert terrain. An avalanche study of the resort has been undertaken by Chris Stethem and Associates of Canmore, Alberta, Canada. The results of this study are illustrated in Figure 6.