Key Information
Avalanches
| Type | Rapid flow of snow down a slope |
| Season | Winter, or if snowy all year round, any season |
| Effect | Can destroy trees, plants, houses and infrastructure, can kill humans and animals |
| Forms | Slab avalanche, powder snow avalanche, wet snow avalanche, ice avalanche |
Learning Point
- Avalanches are like giant, fast snow slides that happen on mountains when a lot of snow suddenly rushes downhill. They can be caused by too much new snow, warm weather melting the snow, or even people skiing. Because they move so quickly and carry lots of snow, avalanches can be very dangerous, so it’s important to stay safe and listen to grown-ups when you’re in snowy mountain areas.
Project
- Draw a picture of an avalanche and explain some of the things that are happening in the picture.
- Overview
- Result
Location
| Location | Worldwide, in mountainous areas that have large amounts of snow |
Fun Facts
- Some avalanches can travel as fast as a race car, zooming down the mountain at over 80 miles per hour!
- Avalanches can pick up trees and rocks, making them look like giant, snowy monsters rolling down the hill.
- Avalanches can make a sound like a roaring train or thunder, because they move so much snow and air.
- Sometimes, even just the weight of a skier can be enough to start a huge avalanche.
Past Lessons
| 152 | March 17, 2025 | (North America) |