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Over 110 years ago, a tragedy would impact the U.S. The deadliest avalanche would crash through central Washington after a severe blizzard swept through the state. This event is still considered the deadliest avalanche in the history of the U.S., and there are a few reasons why.

The catalyst for this extreme event was an apparent blizzard that dropped roughly a foot of snow per day over the course of almost 2 weeks for parts of the Northwest. The snowfall rates were so bad that a record eleven feet was reported on the worst day. This storm was so bad that trains in commute during the storm were placed at a standstill in the middle of their commute to Seattle.

The rate of the snowfall also created issues for snowplows as they were incapable of clearing the roads amid numerous avalanches. In a strange turn of events, the temperature would rise just enough for a thunderstorm to erupt on the windward side of Windy Mountain, located in north-central Washington. As a result of a rogue lightning strike, a massive amount of snow was sent rolling down that side of the mountain, destroying everything in its path.

Unbeknownst to the two trains, the avalanche raced toward them while the passengers were sound asleep. The impact sent the trains and the passengers inside plummeting down the mountain roughly 150 feet. The aftermath of this avalanche would claim the lives of 96 people, 58 of whom were part of the crew on the trains. Thankfully, 23 people were saved from the wreckage. On the heels of this catastrophic avalanche, another erupted only three days removed from the previous one, claiming the lives of 63 people.

Avalanches continue to be one of Mother Nature’s deadliest sides of mountain snowfall. On average, avalanches claim the lives of over 150 people per year worldwide. If travelling to the slopes, be sure to pay attention to your local weather or park service for any alerts that are issued.

Also, watch out for the warning signs such as steep slopes less than 30 degrees, recent avalanches and unstable snowpack, and potential triggers that could cause an unwanted avalanche.

Source(s): weather.gov, Wikimedia.org

Story Image: Wreck of train in foreground caused by an avalanche at Wellington, Washington on 1 March 1910. (Wikimedia Commons)

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On This Day in 1910: Historic Avalanche Races Through Central Washington