The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the US economy, health care system and schools. Some experts say it’s also to blame for a recent spike in avalanche deaths. Seriously. So far this winter season, 36 people have died in US avalanches, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), tying the record set in 2008 and reached again in 2010. But a unique combination of climate- and pandemic-related trends could see the US break the record. Here’s why: Climate creates avalanche conditions… The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says the three factors needed for an avalanche to occur are a slope, snowpack and a trigger.