How does nature recover from an avalanche?

Avalanches are most common during and in the 24 hours right after a storm that dumps 12 inches (30 centimeters) or more of fresh snow. The quick pileup overloads the underlying snowpack, which causes a weak layer beneath the slab to fracture. read more

Although nature fosters, nurtures and cares for the inhabitants of this planet, it can also be extremely brutal and unforgiving at times. It can unleash its fury in many ways; an avalanche is one of the most extreme. read more

An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a hill or mountainside. Although avalanches can occur on any slope given the right conditions, certain times of the year and certain locations are naturally more dangerous than others. Wintertime, particularly from December to April, is when most avalanches tend to happen. read more

Dry slab avalanches are responsible for nearly all avalanche deaths that occur. Snow in dry slab avalanches has settled in layers, and these layers rest on one another. Just the right amount of weight or movement (say, from a person) can send the whole mountain side down the mountain. read more