AVALANCHE

General Science and ability

CSS All in One
 What will be studied in this lecture

• Definition of avalanches?
• Types of avalanches.
• Causes of Avalanches.
• Effects of Avalanches.
• Management of Avalanches.
 What is an avalanche?

• An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a hill or

mountainside.
Types of Avalanche
Avalanche Hazard
Triangle

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People
what causes avalanches?
• Weather: wind direction and speed, temperature,
snowfall

• Terrain: Slope angle, slope shape, vegetation

• Snowpack: Stability of snow layers

• Human Factors
 Causes
• Heavy snowfall is the first, since it deposits snow in unstable
areas and puts pressure on the snow-pack.
• Heavy snowstorms are more likely to cause avalanches. The
24 hours after a storm are considered to be the most critical.
• Precipitation during the summer months is the leading cause
of wet snow avalanches.
• 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.
• The heavy deforestation and soil erosion in mountain
regions, gives the snow little stability in the winter months.
 Causes
• The use of vehicles and snowmobiles creates vibrations within
the snow that it cannot withstand.
• The other is construction work done with explosives, which
tend to weaken the entire surrounding area.
• Layers of snow build-up and slide down the mountain at a
faster rate on steep slopes.
• Skiers stepping onto fragile snow packs
• Animals digging through the snow packs
• Earthquakes or tremors
The majority of avalanches occur
on slopes between 30°- 45°
Effects of Avalanche

• Loss of Life:
• Loss of Property
• Traffic blockage and road damage:
• Floods:
• Impact on Tourism:.
• Loss of Flora and Fauna:
 Management of Avalanche
• Land use planning.
• Landslide hazard, vulnerability, and risk
assessment:
• Multi-hazard conceptualization:
• Research and development, monitoring and early
warning:
• Knowledge network and management:
• Capacity building and training:
• Public awareness and education:
• Emergency preparedness and response:
• Afforestation:
Dense trees can act as “anchors”
and points of safety
Thank You
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