Avalanches and Snow Slides
Avalanches and Snowslides - Three Main Types
Powder Avalanches - An increasing volume of powdered snow is thrown into the air, charging down the slope like a dense cloud. It can reach speeds of 250 mph (400 kph) and can flatten anything in its path.Wet Snow Avalanches - When the temperature warms up, snow weakens and a wet snow avalanche can happen. The snow spreads as it slowly slides. Once it stops, it settles like concrete so buried victims can't move or breathe.
Slab Avalanches - These are the most common and are usually triggered by skiers. When layers of snow don't cling together, a trigger such as the weight and tracks of a skier or snowboarder, will cause the top layer to slide. There is little chance of escaping the moving slab as it breaks and carries a victim down the slope.
Avalanches and Snowslides - Outrunning a Slide
Don't bother trying to outrun an avalanche. You won't make it. Dry slab avalanches usually cruise down a slope around 60-80 mph (97-130 kph.) They can reach these speeds about five seconds after they fracture. Wet avalanches are much slower at about 20 mph (32 kph) but it's still a miracle to outrun one.The Most Dangerous Avalanche
The most dangerous is a dry slab avalanche - it causes the most deaths. Imagine a dinner plate sliding off a table. When the plate shatters and keeps sliding, the food on the plate hardly stands a chance. The slab shatters like glass with the victim in the middle - escape is rare.Avalanche Facts
This usually has a lot to do with luck. But avoiding potential avalanches has to do with using your brains. Here are some avalanche facts to consider:Related Stories:
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