How an avalanche behaves depends on several factors. This is the structure of the snow cover, certain external conditions and a certain time.
The angle of the mountain slope also plays an important role. The risk of avalanche is highest on slopes with slopes between 25 and 40 degrees.
A snowpack can often appear stationary until a snowmobiler or skier disturbs it enough to cause the snow to start moving. Avalanches can also be caused by strong winds, falling rocks, or accumulated snow.
Snow cover in the mountains is heterogeneous. It accumulates over time and has both stable and weak layers. When snow falls, it has a loose crystal structure. If the snow begins to melt and freezes again, its structure becomes more granular. This grainy, icy snow has a weak structure. In other words, when a new layer of snow falls on it, the grains in the weak layer may crack and create a surface on which an avalanche can slide. The weight of new snowpack can cause an entire mountainside to collapse almost instantly.
Source: Ferra
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
