Avalanche

General Science and ability

Mian Shafiq
 what is an avalanche?
An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down
a hill or mountainside.
Types of Avalanche
Avalanche Hazard
Triangle

Sn
ai e

ow
rr ch
Te lan
n

? ?Pac
Avalanche
a
Av

k
Hazard!

?
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