Avalanche

An avalanche is a sudden and rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a mountainside or slope. This natural phenomenon typically occurs when a layer of snow becomes unstable, either due to a weight increase from new snowfall, melting, or other factors that disturb the equilibrium of the snowpack. Avalanches can vary in size and speed, ranging from small slides that only affect a localized area to large, destructive flows that can sweep away everything in their path. They pose significant hazards to skiers, climbers, and anyone in mountainous regions during winter and early spring months. The process can be triggered naturally or by human activity, and safety measures are often implemented in avalanche-prone areas to minimise risks.