Baine Definition

An avalanche is a series of movements that carry heavy weight, directed at or around a deadfall or cliff with the intention of changing the outcome of the process on which the force is based. The force changes the face of the glacier, often at an unpredictable location, causing an avalanche. Such an activity creates confusion and can rapidly deteriorate into a major disaster when too large to safely navigate.

The difference between a slide and an avalanche is that a slide develops by the way in which rocks and snow are pushed apart within their natural environment, while an avalanche is a direct action of the elements that brings down great quantities of rock and snow, sending them towards the surface. Here they frequently end up on the landscape as difficult to cross terrain, often injuring people and animals.

A combination of many factors can create an avalanche, and a number of things can contribute to this behavior occurring. Slowing of wind, higher snow temperatures and reduced visibility combine to create an environment favourable for avalanches. Increased tempers, nervousness, fatigue and depression all increase the likelihood of such events. Anything happening behind closed doors also contributes to the avalanche threat. The largest debris generated due to the nature of the forces involved is called "snowmass", however it is not usually packed together during the formation of avalanches.

Typically, the snow is being moved forward due to the increasing pressure of the advancing pieces of rock and ice, the advance of which is made possible by increased winds and an increased rate of flow. The typical conditions contributing to the creation of avalanches over the last couple of centuries are as follows:

30-40 meters of snow have been moved ahead of the advancing load.

A few meters of snow has fallen onto slopes to the rear of where the load is pushing.

Slightly less than 30 meters of snow has fallen, particularly on the western and southwestern faces.

All other flake sizes show high frequency of occurrence.

From the vertical jump perspective, the speed of movement along the slopes increases with depth, so those slopes that are nearly flat and sit well will continue to acclimatize but only slightly.

Stability cannot be said to be enhanced because the snow base (face) has already been fully unstable.

Rift zones are just above 1.

Scorch zones show lower rates of rise because air has already been pulled into the upper region.