V useful article Andy. There's also a very useful Avalanche Awareness self assessment quizz that can be downloaded from the Glenmore Lodge web site at http://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/avalanche.asp Secondly be prepared to take time to investigate trend. As you rightly point out around 90% of fatal avalanches are triggered by the party themselves. Taking time to build up knowledge from avalnche reports over the season is important. It's usually a hidden layet below what you are standing on that fails. Whilst the avalanche that hurts you will only happen on the day - the circumstances leading up to it are often hidden in the back story.