Avalanche

An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow and ice down a mountainside, which can occur when the snowpack becomes unstable due to various factors such as temperature changes, heavy snowfall, or human activity. Avalanches can pose significant dangers to life, property, and travel in mountainous regions, characterized by their speed and the mass of snow and debris they carry.

Avalanche meaning with examples

• The ski resort was closed for several weeks after a massive avalanche swept down the mountain, burying several ski lodges under several feet of snow and forcing rescue teams to undertake a dangerous operation to check for survivors, highlighting the unpredictable nature of winter sports and the importance of avalanche safety measures.
• As the storm intensified, the forecasters warned of a potential avalanche risk in the backcountry, cautioning skiers and snowboarders to choose lower slopes and avoid steep terrain, underscoring the need for understanding snow conditions to prevent tragic accidents in the wilderness.
• The sound of cracking ice and the rumble of rolling snow alerted the hikers to the immediate danger, prompting them to scramble for safety as the avalanche thundered past, demonstrating nature's power and unpredictability in the beautiful yet perilous alpine environment.
• After months of below-average snowfall, the sudden winter storm created an unstable snowpack, leading to a series of small avalanches that cascaded down the hillside, startling local wildlife and reminding residents of the delicate balance in nature, and the necessity for continuous vigilance in winter conditions.