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Avalanche is a flow of snow down a mountain side through rock slides ` They are flows which move under the influence of gravity

Weather: Avalanches are more likely to occur after a heavy snowstorm. The 24 hours following a storm are the most critical. ` Snowfall: Recent snowfall puts extra stress on the existing snow pack, especially if the new snow does not adequately bond with the layer of snow already there.
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Temperature: Changes that last several hours or days, such as a warm front moving through can seriously weaken some of the upper layers of snow. Snow Pack Conditions: Understanding the history of snow pack for that season can reveal several clues about slope stability. Snow pack conditions can change not only over the course of the winter season but over the course of a day. This is why constant awareness and frequent slope testing are necessary.

Slope Angle: Most avalanches occur on slopes between 30 and 45 degrees. Wind Direction: Wind usually blows up one side of the slope of the mountain(the windward side), and down the other(the leeward side). When blowing up the windward side, wind will scour snow off the surface and drop it on the leeward side.

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Powder snow Avalanche: As avalanches move down the slope they may entrain from the snow pack and grow in size. The snow may mix with the air and form a powder cloud. An avalanche with a powder cloud is know as a powder snow avalanche.

Starting zone: where an avalanche is initiated Avalanche track: where it goes Runout area: where it dissipates

Loose Snow Avalanche  Ice Fall Avalanche  Cornice Fall Avalanche  Slab Avalanche


An avalanche beacon, also known as an avalanche transceiver, is a device that is worn across the chest above the base layer of clothing, and that transmits a signal which other avalanche beacons can receive. In the event of a slide, other people can switch their beacons from transmit to receive, and can begin a search for the person stranded in the avalanche. These devices can quickly cut down the time needed to find someone in the snow and digging them out.

To help reduce avalanches from forming: use of terrace use of supporting structures

Arresters are used to slow or stop avalanches need adequate height; if too low, flow can accelerate above barrier, increasing damage

These are placed directly in front of a single object They redirect and divert the avalanche flow around the structure

Use of splitters on ski slopes

These are used to retard flowing snow at the end of the runout zone

Detail of mounds

These sheds allow the avalanche to pass over the structure