An Avalanche is a rapid flow of snow, from either natural triggers or human activity. Avalanches are one of nature’s sudden and destructive forces. Often occurring without warning, an avalanche can shift hundreds of thousands of tons of snow quickly and with deadly speed. In Avalanche countries, about 100 to 200 people die each year from avalanches. Today, snowmobilers account for the highest percentage of avalanche deaths in the U.S.A, followed by skiers, snowboarders, climbers, and others involved in snow sports.

    A snow pack is made of both strong and weak layers. Strong layers are usually composed of small, angular snow crystals that interlock to create strong bonds. Weak layers tend to be composed of granular snow crystals that bond poorly. Weak layers prevent strong layers from bonding with one another, thereby creating an unstable situation. When a weak layer lies on top of a strong layer, there is no problem. But when the situation is reversed, and the overlying weight becomes too much for the weak layer to support, it collapse and the snow above it slides downhill.

    Almost all avalanches occur on slopes between 35 and 45 degrees. Another name for an avalanche is the “White Death”. Avalanches begin when an unstable mass of snow breaks away from a mountainside, and moves down hill. The growing river of snow picks up speeds as it rushes down the mountain. Avalanches have been known to reach speeds of 245 miles an hour about four times as fast as the fastest downhill skier. Usually about every year the western United States alone, about 100,000 avalanches will tumble down mountainsides.

    Statistics show 93% of avalanche victims survive if dug out within 15 minutes. After 45 minutes, only 20 to 30% of victims are alive. Avalanches kill more than 150 people worldwide each year. Avalanches are almost common during and in the 24 hours right after a storm that dumps 12 inches or more of fresh snow.

    I chose Avalanches as my science project because I think avalanches are interesting and exciting. Another reason I chose avalanches is because it’s not boring, and nobody else would choose it.

Austin Giner