SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ski-avalanche-trees-trap

Which terrain trap most often causes avalanche trauma injuries and deaths?

Trees.

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  1. Cliffs
  2. Road cuts
  3. Trees ✔

Why: Even small slides can be deadly when they carry people into trees, where debris piles up and can cause deeper burials. Choose clean run-outs when you can.

Huh, didn't know that: Avalanche.org warns that avalanches can easily break through ice into open water, another deadly terrain trap.

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What did the tree say after a long winter? What a re-leaf!
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References

Answer: Trees. Even small slides can be deadly when they carry people into trees, where debris piles up and can cause deeper burials. Choose clean run-outs when you can.

  1. Avalanche.org: Terrain trap avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/terrain/terrain-trap
    Trees are the most common terrain trap responsible for traumatic injury and death.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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