Avalanches- maybe an avoidable danger in the mountains

Introduction
I have chosen the topic: “ Avalanche” as I am interested in the outdoors and am an enthusiastic skier, who would like to do back country skiing. To do this safely I have to learn about the avalanche danger.
The following questions I have chosen and researched:
Who is affected by avalanches?
What different avalanches do we know?
Where and why do avalanches occur?
How do you keep safe? and How do you recognise avalanche terrain?
I also watched a video produced for the NZ Mountain Safety Council, called Avalanche Awareness! A guide to snow safety in the New Zealand Mountains.
As my oral component I interviewed a friend, who was actually involved in an avalanche.

General facts
Avalanches are one of the great hazards facing winter travellers in the mountains these are mainly skiers, snowboarders, trampers, climbers, people who are using the backcountry for recreation or passing through in cars, buses etc. (eg on the Milford Road). Every year appr 250 people ar...