Formation of an avalanche
Formation of an avalanche requires only a mass of snow and a slope for it to slide down.
Most avalanches begin either during or soon after a snowstorm.
As each new layer of snow settles on the ground, it binds itself to the existing layers that are anchored to the mountainside.
Additional weight of a heavy snowfall prevents the snow from gripping onto the layers of snow underneath.
This triggers an avalanche
Other factors causing avalanche formation include:
Explosions
Heavy snowfalls
Cornices
Earth tremor
Snow on ice
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What is an avalanche
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Damages
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