25 Facts About Avalanches That Will Definitely Scare You
Gallery
An avalanche is a natural occurrence that takes place when a massive quantity of snow slopes down steep mountains.
An avalanche forms over a snowpack. A snowpack is a fusion of ice and snow.
On every pack of snow, a pile-up occurs. This pile-up is supported by the snowpack. An avalanche occurs when the foundation of the snowpack becomes unstable or is disrupted. The snowpack then unleashes the snow, causing it to fall down the mountain's steep slope. Read on to learn more avalanche facts!
Causes Of Avalanches
An avalanche can occur due to various reasons. Here are some of the key factors that can trigger avalanches.
There are many factors that can cause an avalanche. The level and amount of snow cover, steeper slopes, and a weak layer of snow cover are some of the key causes of avalanches.
Avalanches can also occur because of the terrain. Different types of terrain can cause avalanches to occur, for example, avalanches are more likely to occur if a mountain is steep.
Weather conditions also factor into causing this natural disaster.
90% of avalanches are caused by humans. The actions of skiers, climbers, and snowmobilers can contribute to causing avalanches.
Other than skiers, snowboarders can also cause avalanches. Another factor can be a blast of an explosive nature.
It is a myth that loud noises like yelling can cause an avalanche. For a sound to cause an avalanche, it has to be a sonic boom.
Dangers Of Avalanches
The instability of snowpacks can trigger avalanches. Here are some more facts about how these natural disasters occur.
Avalanches, although they are mostly made up of snow and ice, also contain rocks.
Unstable snow is formed on a mountain when snow pits are dug.
The human body, when it gets buried under an avalanche, is likely to die. The factors leading up to such a demise are hypothermia, suffocation, and/or injuries.
There are mostly clear signs in nature when an avalanche is about to take place. The signals are clearer when the avalanche is a fresh one.
To recognize unstable snow, be it on steep slopes or otherwise, you can try to make sounds on the snow. If the snow makes a hollow sound, that means it is unstable. The cracking of the snow is also a sign.
Wet snow due to rain or thaw is considered dangerous as it can lead to an avalanche.
Many people visit the mountains in the winter. But it is important that they learn how to spot the signs of an avalanche so that they can protect themselves and know what to do in a crisis.
People should always carry a beacon or an avalanche transceiver.
They can also take a shovel along so that they can shove aside the snow in case they are caught or buried under an avalanche.
A ski pole probe or a collapsible probe is also a good piece of equipment to carry to a place that has a high avalanche risk.
There are different types of avalanches. One of them is the loose snow avalanche. These rarely cause disastrous after-effects.
Another type is the slab avalanche. Slab avalanches are known to be one of the most lethal types of avalanches. Slab avalanches are cohesive snow plates and they are displaced in large pieces, which is why they are so dangerous.
People should be careful because an avalanche is able to bury a person due to the speed at which it moves and the volume of snow it transfers.
Scariest Avalanches Ever
An avalanche is so powerful that it can block the path of anything. The intensity of avalanches varies. The most intense ones can cause serious damage and even take lives. The following are a few plausible damages caused due to an avalanche.
There can be a blockage on railways and roads.
Avalanches can cause the power supply to be disrupted or even cut off entirely.
After avalanches fall, the snow, ice, and rocks in them settle on the ground like concrete. It becomes very difficult to get out from beneath an avalanche.
The strongest avalanches have been known to swallow whole buildings.
Over 150 people are killed globally every year due to avalanches.
Humans sink fast under an avalanche because our bodies have thrice the density than that of the debris of an avalanche.
This being said, in case you are stuck in an avalanche, you should try to keep your calm. There are a few things you can do in such a scenario. You should move to the side and hold on to something sturdy. You should also hold up one of your arms and make some space to breathe.
FAQs
How fast do avalanches move?
Although the exact speed of an avalanche is not known, they are known to have a speed that is faster than 200 mph (321.9 kph).
What was the worst avalanche in history?
The worst avalanche in history took place on March 1, 1910. It happened near Stevens Pass, at Wellington. 96 people lost their lives to this avalanche.
Do avalanches make noise?
When the powdered snow compresses or when the snow slides or shifts downhill, it makes a 'whumph' noise. This is a sign of an upcoming avalanche.
How many avalanche deaths occur per year?
Every year, as many as 150 people lose their lives to avalanches. This is a global estimate.
When did the last avalanche occur?
The last one occurred on February 7, 2022. A Washington State Patrol veteran, Steve Houle, passed away in this avalanche. Steve, 28, breathed his last in Kittitas County.
Does clapping cause avalanche?
No, contrary to popular belief, clapping or other sounds do not cause avalanches. They are only caused by sounds like sonic booms or explosive blasts.
Can you breathe in an avalanche?
It is very difficult to breathe if a person is stuck under the debris of an avalanche. Suffocation is one of the leading causes of death from an avalanche.
We Want Your Photos!
More for You
See All
Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English
Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English
With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature.
Disclaimer
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.
