Mr. Sogi has posted some very informative things on understanding snow pack and avalanche likelihood.Also at Daily Speculations:
Here is an interesting article on the science behind avalanches and some recent technological advances in avalanche survival: the avalanche airbag backpack.
This second link is a one minute video of an actual avalanche survival: Snake River Float Avalanche Airbag Save.
Speculator Wolves, from Laurel Kenner