avalanche

Causes of Avalanche

There is no one reason behind the development of avalanches. It was believed for long that the echo of a human voice in the mountains could dislodge enough snow to start one. Similarly, a person’s weight can cause a avalanche too. The sudden addition of weight can fracture a weak area of snow. However, scientific understanding of avalanches shows us that there are many environmental factors at work.

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7 Major casues

  1. Snowstorm and Wind Direction:

    Heavy snowstorms are more likely to cause Avalanches. Wind normally blows from one side of the slope of mountain to another side.

  2. Heavy snowfall:

    Heavy snowfall is the first, since it deposits snow in unstable areas and puts pressure on the snow-pack. Precipitation during the summer months is the leading cause of wet snow avalanches

  3. Human Activity:

    Humans have contributed to the start of many avalanches in recent years. Winter sports that require steep slopes often put pressure on the snow-pack which it cannot deal.

    human activity causing avalanche
  4. Vibration or Movement:

    The use of All Terrain Vehicles and Snowmobiles creates vibrations within the snow that it cannot withstand. Coupled with the gravitational pull, it is one of the quickest ways to cause an avalanche.

    Vibration of vehicles resulting avalanche
  5. Layers of Snow:

    There are conditions where snow is already on the mountains and has turned into ice. Then, fresh snow falls on top which can easily slide down.

  6. Steep Slopes:

    Layers of snow build up and and slide down the mountain. Lorem ipsum dolor sit , consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean euismod bibendum laoreet. Proin gravida dolor sit amet lacus.

    steep slope cause snow to slide down
  7. Warm Temperature:

    Warm temperatures that can last several hours a day can weaken some of the upper layers of snow and cause it to slide down.

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