 Both avalanches were classified as catastrophic.An avalanche classified at a catastrophic level means it has the potential to damage the surrounding landscape, the runout can cause damage and destruction to infrastructure in a valley and is large in size.On the morning the avalanche occurred, the local radio announced the avalanche warning system cautioned “the danger of avalanches has become extremely serious and is still increasing.” A survivor, Robert Dobner, recounts the day as “a dark Monday, so full of snow."