Avalanches form when disturbances, such as blizzards, dislodge a large mound of snow. Avalanches are caused by weather that makes the snow unstable. Earth tremors, heavy winds, and explosions can also cause avalanches.
where do most avalanches occur?
Avalanches can happen wherever there is snow lying on ground of sufficient angle. Accidents in recent years in most mountain areas, demonstrate the truth of this statement. The vastly increased popularity of winter climbing and hill walking, along with the growth of interest in ski touring means that greater numbers are at hazard. Sadly, each year adds to the list of injuries or fatalities. Many of these accidents would have been avoidable, given greater care or knowledge, or if the victims had even paused to consider that avalanche hazard might be present.
What causes avalanches?
Layers of snow build up and slide down the mountain
A vibration or movement like the voice of a person or a train can start and avalanche
Certain weather conditions like wind and rain
A rock or a piece of ice can shake the snow to slide down the mountain
Water under the snow could make the snow slide
A section of the snow could fall down or break apart and slide down the mountain.
