In Juneau, Alaska, there are six known avalanche chutes in town or just outside. Most of them are clearly indicated by the lack of large vegetation on their slopes. In the past snow slides have come down and pushed houses off foundations and taken off roofs of others. Homes, a hotel and a couple of schools are in their paths.

The town on occasion talks about buying out the owners and forbidding rebuilding below the chutes but it has not yet been done.

The homeowners, who in all likelihood acquired their homes at bargain rates, tend to be stuck once they get in once it becomes known that the hazard is there. That is why realtors resist having the city list affected properties.

My daughter lives in southern California. She lives there despite the known hazards as do millions of others. I expect they tell themselves that they are more likely to be hit by a truck.