Question for Avy Pros out there

NWAC does issue Avalanche Watches and Warnings when the danger is expected to become high-extreme and they issued one two weekends ago during the big storms.  These are broadcast to the public by the National Weather Service in the same way that Winter Storm Watches, High Wind Watches, Small Craft Advisory, etc are.  I have heard NPR relay this information when giving the weather forecast.

My personal feeling is that anything that can be done to raise public awareness is a good thing.  Avalanche death rates increase significantly as the posted danger level rises from low-moderate-considerable-high (here, I'm defining the death rate as total number of deaths divided by the total length of time that the danger is posted in each category).  The largest absolute number of deaths occurs in considerable danger (ref: www.avalanche.org/~nac/NAC/techPages/art...ISSW_Greene_etal.pdf )

Widely broadcasting periods of high avalanche danger via TV or other media outlets would hopefully bring down the death rate during the short windows of high-extreme danger.

I see what you mean--that makes sense!

ski-photomat,
thats exactly what I was meaning. A widely broadcast warning during periods of extreme avalanche danger like this recent event to try and prevent the casual recreationalist from making a grave mistake.

Skierguitarist, thanks for your opinion , it's certainly as valid as mine, but my point was that the report wouldn't be for people like most of the Tayers who read the avy report and also dig pits and make their own evaluations but for the completely clueless who venture out with no knowledge for a nice snowshoe. Maybe a big red warning on the nightly news would stop them.

Thanks for the input.