One of the reasons that there are so many avalanches here is that we are a long way from the ocean. There is no salt in the precipitation which doesn't do much for the ability of the snow to bind and make stable layers. Add that to the fact that its often windy when its snowing, which gives some unstable areas in the snow pack too. Even if you follow the "rules" its possible to get caught up in a slide. I've seen accidents happen in places where other things suggest it should be safe.

An example last weekend. Snowshoer killed on a 30deg SE facing slope in avalanche warning level 3. In many cases you would consider this to be ridable! I believe there were also some fatalities this weekend.

There are no guarantees, and if you go in the back country you just need to try to be as informed and take as many precautions a possible.

Personally I just like to be out there and have no desire to go riding 40+deg slopes or anything like that.