Avalanche

mountains · snow · nature's power

Snow slides fast. An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow rushing down a slope, and it can move incredibly quickly because it's mostly snow mixed with air.

Nature triggers them. Avalanches can start on their own when heavy new snow piles up or when older snow underneath gets weak, but they can also be set off by earthquakes or people accidentally disturbing the snow.

More than just snow. While avalanches are mainly made of flowing snow and air, large ones are so powerful they can scoop up ice, rocks, and even whole trees as they barrel down the mountain.