What is an avalanche
The avalanches They are natural phenomena that occur when a considerable mass of snow breaks off and slides down the slopes of mountains and steep terrain..
Avalanches occur as a consequence of the accumulation of snow in mountainous areas where the slopes of the mountains and the concurrence of a series of physical and meteorological factors give rise to movements of large amounts of snow.
Avalanches can be superficial if only the outermost part of the snow cover is mobilized, or bottom-type, when not only the snow layer is mobilized, but even this, in its movement, erodes the substrate of the slope and It takes with it part of the vegetation cover of the slope.
Avalanches can form due to any of the following causes:
Due to lack of homogeneity between the layers of snow. Due to excess weight, when the amount of snow is greater than what a surface can support. Due to rain, when it penetrates a recent layer, and it slides due to the weight of the water. Due to changes in environmental temperature that can affect the cohesion of the snow. Due to soil conditions, especially when they are conducive to the sliding of materials across its surface (clayey, smooth, humid or frozen terrain).
Depending on their magnitude, avalanches can be classified on a scale ranging from weak to very strong, the latter being highly dangerous.
Depending on the victims and damage that an avalanche can cause, it can also be considered a natural disaster.
Avalanche can also refer, in a general way, to any considerable mass of matter that breaks off and precipitates from a slope. For example: “The falling of the tree produced an avalanche of earth.”
The word avalanche can also be used figuratively in reference to a large amount of something. For example: avalanche of kisses, avalanche of praise, human avalanche, etc.
Types of avalanche
Loose snow avalanche
It is the type of avalanche that occurs after heavy snowfall. Fresh snow, when it accumulates more than 25 cm thick, is prone to sliding, especially when it falls on a mass of smooth snow. This type of avalanche usually drags more and more snow along its path.
plate avalanche
A slab avalanche occurs when a surface of compact snow breaks off and slides downhill. It looks like a block of snow cut from its surroundings. It is a fairly common type of avalanche and carries great risks.
Wet snow avalanche
The avalanche of wet snow is typical of the season when temperatures begin to rise, towards the end of winter and the beginning of spring. They tend to be slower and lower in suspension.