Snow avalanches are the most deadly natural hazard in Canada. On average, more than twelve people die in snow avalanches each year. For each person killed, five more are caught by avalanches, and survive. Many of these survivors receive serious injuries. More than two-thirds of these avalanche accidents involve members of the public conducting activities on their own, where avalanche safety programs are not in place.
From Newfoundland to British Columbia to the Canadian arctic, snow avalanches impact buildings, roads, rail lines, industrial work sites, ski areas and backcountry recreation on an annual basis. The historical record of snow avalanches causing loss of life and destruction of facilities in Canada stretches back into the 1800's. The economic cost of avalanche occurrences exceeds $50 million annually.
The CAF is eagerly extending to you the opportunity to become a supporter.
Public avalanche safety information and initiatives cost money, and have been difficult to support and maintain. Some avalanche safety programs exist, provided through Associations like the Canadian Ski Patrol System and the Canadian Avalanche Association, but are constantly providing services at financial loss. The CAFs initial target is to raise sufficient funds to support the Public Avalanche Information Bulletin, which is provided to anyone, free of charge, by the Canadian Avalanche Centre. This service continually operates at a loss.
All you need to do to become a part of this vital public service is to send your fully tax-deductible donation to the Canadian Avalanche Foundation.
