The U.S. Geological Survey continually monitors our natural hazards in February...

In February of 1902, a series of avalanches struck the small mining community of the Liberty Bell Mine in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride, Colorado. The first avalanche buried the boardinghouse and some bunkhouses. During the rescue efforts of the first slide, two other avalanches hit killing many rescue workers. A total of 19 men were killed, making this event the worst avalanche disaster in Colorado history.

To view USGS publications regarding avalanche hazards and safety, visit the following URL:
http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/usgspubs/index.jsp?jboEventVo=PubResultView&view=basic&jboEvent=Search&pxfield_all=colorado+avalanche

On February 9, 1971, California experienced one of its most devastating earthquakes. Just before sunrise, the highly-populated San Fernando region was shaken by a 6.6 Richter magnitude quake that destroyed homes and businesses, badly damaged three hospitals, collapsed highways and water reservoirs, and resulted in the deaths of 65 people.

More information about the 1971 San Fernando Earthquake available through USGS publications can be viewed at the following link:

http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/usgspubs/index.jsp?jboEventVo=PubResultView&view=basic&jboEvent=Search&pxfield_all=san+fernando+earthquake