Combine
a steep mountain slope, some
snow cover, and a weak layer
in that snow cover. Add a triggermore
snow, a person, an animaland
youve got the recipe for
an avalanche.
These
masses of snow may roar down
a mountain slope at speeds of
up to 100 miles an hour. Even
a small avalanche can reach
speeds of 30 miles an hour.
Avalanches
usually occur on 25 to 50 degree
slopes during or just after
large snowstorms. January through
April is peak avalanche season
in Colorado.
Avalanches
rank as one of the deadliest
forces of nature in Colorado.
An average of six people die
each winter in Colorado due
to avalanches. Most of the fatalities
involve snowmobile, backcountry
and out-of-bounds skiers, and
snowboarders.
Snow
in an avalanche can be the density
and consistency of wet cement.
You dont want to get stuck
in it! Avalanches can be averted
by avoiding conditions that
favor avalanches; check out
our featured links below for
information on avalanche safety.
Featured
Links:
Colorado
Avalanche Information Center
This Web site includes avalanche
warnings and reports, avalanche
facts, a list of recent avalanche
accidents, photos of avalanches,
and information on avalanche
safety courses. Before you head
to the mountains, check the
CAIC Web site for the latest
conditions and warnings.
Avalanche!
This Web site from the PBS program
NOVA explores the science of
avalanches. Watch video clips
of an avalanche and learn about
avalanche safety.
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Photo
credits: © Corbis Images,
© NCAR, © NOAA, courtesy
NEWS4, Colorado's news channel.
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