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Snow avalanches can be caused by accumulations of snow on top of previously frozen snow and ice, where there is not enough friction to hold it in place.
The speed of avalanches depends on the steepness of the slope, but can reach 60 to 80 mph. The mass of the snow is so great that it has nearly the same effect as water or rock.
Trees can be pushed over by avalanches, but they tend to steer the flow of the snow as well.
Interesting Facts:
- Avalanches can reach speeds of 250 miles per hour.
- Most avalanches occur between 30 and 45 degrees, on a slope that faces the north, east and northeast directions.
- Mountains that are heavily forested are safer areas, where avalanches happen the least.
- 89% of victims are males between the ages of 20 and 29; they are generally skiers, snowmobilers, or climbers.
- Only a few seconds after an avalanche the snow quickly turns into ice, freezing hard as cement.
- The United States ranks 5th in the world for avalanche danger.
- The deadliest avalanche reported in American history was in February 1910, in Washington's Cascade Mountains, the avalanche swept trains away and killed 100 people.
they go 60-80 mph
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What affects do avalanches have on buildings?
avalanches can destroy peoples homes and they can snow them in and they cant get out so
Are avalanches always snow?
it consist of mud or rock and mainly snow
How does sugar snow causes avalanches?
rotting out snow packs bottom
What do avalanches use to destroy things?
avalanches can destroy communities and animal habitats
What causes avalanches in the Alps?
it is caused when rapid temperature changes occur, a heavy snow fall, or strong winds. Skiers or snowboarders also set off avalanches because they will ski on the fresh loose snow and if the conditions are right the snow will crack beneath them. Loud noises do not set off avalanches. If you don't believe me look up "Avalanches 101" on YouTube.com or nationalgeographic.com
What is a snow lab?
a snow lab is a thing which pridicts avalanches.
What affects do avalanches have on buildings?
avalanches can destroy peoples homes and they can snow them in and they cant get out so
Are avalanches always snow?
it consist of mud or rock and mainly snow
How does sugar snow causes avalanches?
rotting out snow packs bottom
What do avalanches use to destroy things?
avalanches can destroy communities and animal habitats
Why do you get avalanches?
Because the a slab of snow starts moving down a snow slope.
Can avalanches be prevented?
avalanches can be prevented by removing the potential energy stored in the snow by blasting it with dyno-mite
What does snow and avalanches have to do with chemistry?
The molecular makeup of snow is quite unique, in that it's a maleable solid. Chemistry behind avalanches, could involve what temperature snow needs to be to melt - and cause an avalanche. thanks
What starts avalanches?
When a sound is too high it echos and makes the snow move by vibrations causing what we call avalanches
What causes avalanches in the Alps?
it is caused when rapid temperature changes occur, a heavy snow fall, or strong winds. Skiers or snowboarders also set off avalanches because they will ski on the fresh loose snow and if the conditions are right the snow will crack beneath them. Loud noises do not set off avalanches. If you don't believe me look up "Avalanches 101" on YouTube.com or nationalgeographic.com
When do you get avalanches?
Avalanches are most likely to occur in the alpine regions of France, Switzerland and Austria. However avalanches can occur on any steep slope, considering the factors. Within the U.S, Alaska, Colorado and Utah are the states that avalanches occur most often.
Have avalanches always been happening?
Yes, avalanches are a natural occurrence and have always occurred where ever there has been snow on a slope.
