Avalanches

Question 1

What is an avalanche?

Answer 1

Sudden flow of snow down a slope/mountainside. Occurs due to natural or artificial triggers.

Question 2

Name some causes of avalanches.

Answer 2

Heavy Snowfall, Rise in Temperature, Wind Direction, Steepness, Skiers.

Question 3

How can a rise in temperature cause an avalanche?

Answer 3

Causes weaknesses in upper layers of snow.

Question 4

How can heavy snowfall contribute to the happening of an avalanche?

Answer 4

Risk is significantly greater with more snowfall. (300m)

Question 5

How can wind direction cause an avalanche?

Answer 5

Wind direction can cause uneven build-up of snow on ice ward side (more likely to avalanche)

Question 6

How can steepness contribute to the causing of an avalanche?

Answer 6

Most avalanches occur with an angle between 30 and 50 degrees

Question 7

How can skiers impact the causing of an avalanche?

Answer 7

When skiers call loudly across mountain, to attract attention of fellow skiers.

Question 8

How is an avalanche formed?

Answer 8

Temperature on top layer of snow decreases
Layer of snow closest to ground maintains its temperature, causing a temperature difference between upper and lower layers of snow.
Evaporation occurs in lower layers, disrupting stability of snow above.
Upper layers of snow lose grip + begin to slide. (CAUSING AN AVALANCHE)

Question 9

How can we protect ourselves from avalanches?

Answer 9

historical data- (PREDICT WHEN AVALANCHE IS MOST LIKELY TO HAPPEN)
warning systems
Snow fences + barriers (DIVERTS + BREAKS UP PATH OF AVALANCHE)
Plant more trees- (increases STABILITY of slope) + helps to reduce further damage
Building Tunnels/avalanche shelters- enables vehicles + people to stay SAFE
Snow nets- slows down avalanche, extra time to EVACUATE

Question 10

Name some impacts of avalanches

Answer 10

Destroys houses, cabins, shacks etc
Destroys ecosystems, kills plants
Potentially kills people
Economical damage + loss for ski resorts etc