What is Avalanche?

Spending winter on the mountain and surrounded by snow is both quiet and exciting. For adventure lovers, activities like skiing, snowboarding and snowballing are unforgettable. However, the hillside has inherent risks – Vallanche. Although they appear harmless, avalanches pose a serious threat to life and property. Therefore, it is crucial for those in areas where it often snows, understanding them is crucial.

Recently, in Uttarakhand, a large number of avalanches occurred near the border road organization in the Mana border area. Therefore, in this article, we will explore what an avalanche is, its main causes, main factors, types and effects.

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An avalanche attacked the Gref camp near the village of Mana in the Galvar area. Many workers are trapped in fear. The IBEX brigade of the Indian Army quickly launched a rescue operation despite heavy snow and a small amount of avalanche. So far 10… pic.twitter.com/advcau9g4g

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What is an avalanche?

Source: Colorado Avalanche Information Center

Avalanche occurs when snow accumulates on slopes, loses stability and slides down quickly due to gravity. The stability of snow depends on various factors, including snow and friction or resistance provided by vegetation. When gravity forces exceed these resistances, avalanches are usually due to natural factors such as snowfall, temperature changes and even human activity, usually due to natural factors. These events usually last only a minute or two, making them difficult to observe directly. Despite just a series of snow, an avalanche can cause great damage and endanger life and property. Therefore, anyone who ventures into the mountains during the winter must be aware of the avalanche risks and safety precautions.

The main causes of avalanche

• Strong winds and blizzards: During heavy snowfall, avalanches are more likely to occur, especially when strong winds push snow toward the hillside. This movement can produce unstable snow deposits, increasing the risk of sliding.
• Snow accumulation: Sudden or continuous snow increases the weight of the snow, making it more likely to collapse. Wet snow avalanches are common in warm months, and rain weakens the accumulated snow.
• Human activities: Winter sports such as skiing, skiing and mountaineering disturb the accumulation of snow, making it unstable. In some cases, even small movements on steep slopes can trigger an avalanche.
• Vibration and interference: Using snowmobile, motorboat and other heavy vehicles creates vibrations, which reduces the grip of snow. Even loud noises or slight changes in weight can trigger the slide under unstable conditions.
• Unstable snow layers: Older snow sometimes freezes and forms weak bases. When new snow accumulates on top, it may not combine well, resulting in sudden changes and potential avalanches.
• Warm weather: The temperature rises, especially for a long period of time, can melt the surface layer of snow. This makes the snow weaker and easier to decompose, resulting in an avalanche.

Major and contributing factors

Avalanche is caused by a combination of fixed (main) and variable (trigger) factors. These effects determine the nature and intensity of the avalanche. The key factors are classified as follows:

category	factor	explain
Main factors	Terrain
	Slope slope	Steeper slopes (30°-45°) are more likely to occur.
	Slope shape	See more : Can You Find the Hidden Cat Within 12 Seconds? Explanation and Solution To The Optical Illusion Concave and convex slopes affect snow stability.
	Location (bottom of ridge or slope)	The accumulation of snow will vary according to the position of the terrain.
	slope	Legward slope snow accumulation is unstable.
	Vegetation Cover
	The existence and height of trees	Trees act as anchors, reducing the movement of snow.
	The thickness of vegetation	Lush vegetation stabilizes snow and prevents slides.
Triggers	Weather Conditions
	Snowfall depth and accumulation	Rapid accumulation adds pressure to existing snow layers.
	Wind speed	The wind redistributes snow, forming unstable layers.
	Atmospheric and snow temperature	See more : Optical Illusion Brain Test: If you have Eagle Eyes find the Odd Snail in 10 Seconds The fluctuation weakens the bonding of the snow, resulting in instability.
	Other triggers
	Added snow due to cornice deposition	Added additional load and increased risk of avalanche.
	Earlier or vibration of loud sounds (e.g. gunshots)	External force can trigger snowboards.

Avalanche Type

Source: Colorado Avalanche Information Center

Avalanches are classified according to their occurrence type, snow condition and motion pattern:

By appearance type

• Loose snow avalanche: Start at a point and then spread out, usually in a smaller scale.
• Flat Avalanche: A lot of cohesive snow suddenly slips down.

Press the snow state

• Dry snow avalanche: does not contain water.
• Wet snow avalanche: Contains water, making it heavier and more destructive.

Through the depth of motion

• Avalanche on the ground: occurs in the snow.
• Full depth avalanche: The entire snow slid down to the ground.

Characteristics of avalanche

Avalanches exhibit different motion patterns, such as:

• Powder avalanches: These involve fine snow particles moving at high speed and covering a large area.
• Flow avalanche: It looks similar to running water, usually happening when the temperature rises.
• Mixed avalanche: A combination of powder and flow avalanche, usually caused by rapid snowfall on the unstable layer.

Impact and damage

Avalanches can cause severe damage, especially transportation routes and structures. Some common consequences include:

• Road blockage due to snow accumulation.
• Structural damage to roads, retaining walls and buildings.
• Destruction in construction projects has led to unsafe infrastructure development in certain areas.

Preventive measures and hazard assessments

To mitigate the risks associated with avalanche, the authorities have implemented various strategies:

• Map areas that are prone to risk and inform residents.
• Afforestation efforts stabilize snow cover.
• Manual triggering to reduce excessive snow accumulation.
• Predictive analysis of early warning and evacuation procedures.

Avalanches in India are prone to competition

The Himalayas are very susceptible to avalanches, especially in the western region. Fragile areas include:

• Jamu and Kashmir: Kashmir, Guris Valley, Kagir and Ladakh high altitude areas.
• Himaal Pradesh: Chamba, Kullu-Spiti and Kinnaur.
• Uttarakhand (formerly Uttar Pradesh): Chamoli and Tehri Garhwal regions.

Avalanche Areas and Risk Classification

The areas where avalanches are prone to occur are divided into three areas:

1. Red area: Frequent avalanches in high-risk areas, with impact pressure applied, 3 tons per square meter.
2. Blue area: Medium risk area, avalanche force is less than 3 tons per square meter. Although human activities can be allowed, evacuation measures must be taken.
3. Yellow Zone: Low-risk Zones where an occasional avalanche occurs but does not pose an immediate threat.

Source: Colorado Avalanche Information Center

in conclusion

Avalanches are natural disasters that can cause serious consequences, especially in mountainous areas. Understanding the causes, types and risk factors is crucial to prepare for disasters and mitigation. With proper monitoring, predictive analytics and preventive measures, the risks associated with avalanche can be greatly reduced.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion