21.   Because northeastern mountains are relatively low and are less steep than mountains in western parts of the nation, avalanches are rare here.

22.   He had reportedly asked some other skiers about conditions on the slope where the avalanche was to strike a short while later, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

23.   In fact, there is an avalanche of hostile bids waiting in the wings.

24.   The avalanche was the second deadly natural disaster in Colombia this month.

25.   The avalanche was the worst climbing accident in history at Humboldt Peak, civil defense officials said.

26.   The avalanche was storm related, state Department of Transportation spokeswoman Clarissa Lundeen said.

27.   The avalanche was storm related, a state Department of Transportation spokeswoman said.

28.   The Galtuer avalanche is the worst to hit Central Europe this winter.

29.   They died between Friday and Tuesday when there were several avalanches, he said by telephone.

30.   Wilkinson said other nearby areas were snow-heavy and avalanches were likely.