A tree well is an area around a tree that receives less snowfall than the surrounding area, due to the foliage of the tree blocking it. This results in a pit or "well" in the snow around the tree.

Tree wells are dangerous even in non-avalanche conditions because someone can fall into them and be unable to escape. Falling into a tree well can be lethal in the worst cases. I suspect they would be particularly problematic if you were washed into them by an avalanche because it could bury someone even deeper than normal as you would essentially be pushed into a hole and then the hole covered up.

I legit fell into one because I thought it was a teeny tiny pine tree, not the top of a normal one in deep snow.

I often wonder how I am alive.

glad you are!

Thanks random person who has no idea how ghastly I am!

Is the danger from fall damage? I don’t see how you couldn’t just dig yourself out of the snow.

I know you can read and write and be appreciative and are smart enough to access reddit and empathetic enough to share your story of survival to help someone understand. Dont discount those qualities and abilities. Considering humankind they do move you up "in the ranks".

Huh. Thanks for explaining. I've got a warm glow now.

Ooooh, okay that makes a lot of sense! I guess I never fully thought on just how tall a tree can be under the snow. I'm so used to shorter trees where I live.

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You can't dig because it's hard packed snow / ice that's been there for months. You also can't really move your arms because you are stuck upside down in a small area next to the tree.

well done articulating the metrics by which you can establish baseline qualities. this is a place so easily overlooked.

there are very tall trees thus very deep wells. loose snow collapses just like a poorly dug hole and the mass of water adds up. you falling in disturbs the tree and its well. the condition changes drastically swiftly and you are the least able to conform in a way that is helpful

Also dangerous because they might appear safe shelter, or something fun to climb down into to build a snow fort etc. But as you climb down and maybe safely get under the branches, your jostling could release the tons of built up snow stored in the branches above you, burying you.

One of the things I was taught as a kid, so I have to admit my sources are just passed down from older generations.

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