An avalanche is defined as a large mass of snow that quickly slides down a mountain slope and covers everything in its path, often including rocks, earth, or other materials that move downhill at an extreme velocity. Although often considered an avalanche in terms of snow accumulation, such events are more commonly referred to as landslides.
Avalanches occur when layers in a snowpack–an accumulation of packed snow that accumulates over time–slide off a mountainside, often precipitated by collapsed weak layers beneath. Avalanches can range in size and intensity, often being set off by rockfall, human error or natural factors like an earthquake; their cause could range from rockfalls or human errors to earthquakes and can occur on all mountain ranges with snowpack. They occur most commonly from December to April (in the Northern Hemisphere).
Wind, slope steepness, the presence of trees or rocks on a hillside and weather conditions such as rain or wind all play an integral role in increasing or decreasing avalanche risk. Climate change only makes matters worse as warmer temperatures cause snowpacks to melt and shift resulting in layers breaking apart as snow begins melting off its layers and shifting back down onto them again. A slab avalanche is the steepest and deadliest form of avalanche formed of tightly packed snow that falls when activated – its formation often being caused by climate change!
Loose snow avalanches tend to be smaller because they’re caused by looser snow that is less well-bonded, typically needing only 40 degree slope angles for formation and are far less dangerous than slab avalanches.
If you find yourself caught in an avalanche, the best strategy is to move off of the slope as soon as possible. Skiers and snowboarders should head downhill at 45-degree angles until gaining speed before steering off-path through left or right turns or punching throttle to power away from harm’s way. Snowmobilers may use throttle for this same effect. If this isn’t feasible for whatever reason, try reaching trees or swimming hard if possible to escape–human bodies are three times denser than debris so swiftly sink away quickly from under avalanches quickly unless otherwise.
Before venturing out into the backcountry, always consult online avalanche forecasts to identify any potential danger. Avalanche centers employ field teams who study snow composition and thickness before using this data alongside weather information to estimate an avalanche danger level for that mountain range or wilderness area. This knowledge is especially helpful to skiers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who wish to enjoy snowy mountains without risk. Pay attention to warnings and signs; many deaths caused by avalanches result from people disregarding risks or falling prey to psychological traps such as wanting that perfect run alone without human interference.