3. An avalanche (also called snow slide) is a rapid flow of
snow down a slope, such as a hill or mountains. Avalanches
can happen in any mountain range that has an enduring
snow pack. They are most frequent in winter or spring, but
may occur at any time of year. In mountainous areas,
avalanches are among the most serious natural hazards to
life and property.
When the force of gravity exceeds on a mechanically weak
snow pack , it accelerates downwards fast in the form of
snow slide. The load on snow pack is only due to the force
of gravity. When the snow pack weaken or the load of snow
pack increases due to precipitation avalanches or snow
slides occur . Sometimes , use of explosives , earthquakes ,
human activities on the peak etc also triggers the failure in
the collected mass of snow. When it occurs on shelter it
becomes a disaster.
4. Climate Change or Global Warming
Glacial lake outburst
Earthquake
Human activities like skies
Use of explosives
Gravity of the earth
Volcanic eruption under snow
5. It causes flood.
It causes the loss of life and property.
It destroys human settlement.
It reduces wildlife.
It causes deforestation.
It destructs development projects such as road ,
communication project , hydroelectric projects.
6. The following measures can minimize the loss
likely to be caused by snow slides are:-
Avalanche prone areas should be identified.
Afforestation should be done on avalanche prone areas.
Awareness programmes should be conducted for people to
know about the protection from avalanches.
Prediction about avalanches.
Relief material should be pre-managed.
The residents should be guided about the emergency
evacuation shelters.
Explosives techniques are also in use by using which in
controlled ways the excess the load on snow mass are
reduced to avoid snow slides.
7. The beauty of the Himalayan region of Nepal is known
worldwide. Nepal contains 866 named mountains along the
world tallest mountain , Mount Everest . Nepal is situated in
earthquake prone area. The Himalaya are among the most
seismically active regions in the world. In Nepal Avalanches
often occurs and causes the loss of life and property.
On May 11, 1970 AD, 6 Nepalese guides were killed by
snow slide in the Himalayan region.
On April 14 , 2014 AD , 12 guides were killed by a snow
slide in the Everest region.
On April 30, 2015 , 17 people were killed by a snow slide in
Everest Base Camp which occurred due to Gorkha
Earthquake in Nepal.
