Causes of avalanches

An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a slope. A sudden downhill movement of snow. It is a significant hazard to people living in, or visiting, glacial areas. A slab avalanche is the most dangerous form of movement. 

Avalanches are triggered in a starting zone from a mechanical failure in the snowpack when the forces on the snow exceed its strength.

What causes avalanches:

• Heavy snowfall
• Deforestation
• Steep slopes
• Vibrations 
• Layering of snow - for instance where snow is already on the mountain and has turned into ice, and then fresh snow falls on top which can easily slide down
• The wind direction