📖 what

What is an avalanche?

Quick Answer

An avalanche is a rapid downslope flow of snow, ice, and debris, often triggered on steep mountain slopes.

The Full Story

Avalanches occur when a mass of snow becomes unstable and suddenly slides or rushes down a slope under gravity. They are most common in mountainous regions with steep terrain and layered snowpacks, especially after fresh snowfall, warming, or vibration. Avalanches can be dry powder avalanches or wet snow avalanches, and they can reach extremely high speeds. They are a major natural hazard in the Alps, Himalayas, Rockies, and other snow-covered mountain ranges.

Key Facts

1.Avalanches are rapid downslope snow movements
2.They are common on steep mountain slopes
3.They can be triggered by weather, warming, or vibration

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"The mountain danger that can outrun a person in seconds"

Was this answer helpful?

Tap a reaction — it helps us pick what to cover next.