The Terrifying Real Science Of Avalanches

Avalanches: Understanding, Prevention, and Survival

This article delves into avalanches, explaining their nature, causes, prevention methods, and survival tips. It features ski patrollers at Whistler-Blackcomb, North America's largest ski resort, as they trigger avalanches.

The Experience of an Avalanche

Derek shares, "To actually feel the force of an avalanche on your body, there's kind of nothing that can prepare you for that."

Historical Avalanches

The deadliest avalanche recorded occurred in May 1970 in Yungay, Peru, caused by a 7.9 magnitude earthquake, resulting in a landslide that buried the town, killing an estimated 30,000 people. However, the deadliest snow avalanches occurred during World War I in December 1916 in the Dolomites, northern Italy, where both Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops deliberately triggered avalanches as a weapon, causing between 2,000 and 10,000 deaths.

Modern-Day Triggers

Most fatal avalanches today are triggered by recreational skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers in the backcountry. In the US, 93% of fatal avalanches are caused by the weight of the victim or someone in their party.

Bruce Tremper's Experience

Bruce Tremper, an avalanche expert, shares his harrowing experience of getting caught in an avalanche while working as a ski patroller, emphasizing the importance of understanding snow conditions.

Avalanche Mechanics

Avalanches occur when the bonds between snow crystals break, and the friction holding the snow is insufficient against gravity. Avalanches are categorized by size, from 1 (not enough to bury a person) to 5 (involving 100,000 cubic meters of snow). The snowpack's layers, affected by various conditions, play a crucial role in avalanche formation.

Types of Avalanches

There are nine recognized avalanche problems, with two main types: slab and loose avalanches. Slab avalanches, where the snow moves in large chunks, are particularly dangerous and can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h. Loose avalanches, though less hazardous, can still be dangerous, especially in steep terrain.

Preventing Avalanches in Ski Resorts

Ski resorts employ avalanche control measures, such as using explosives to trigger small, manageable avalanches before skiers hit the slopes. This is demonstrated by the ski patrol team at Whistler-Blackcomb.

Survival and Safety Measures

In the event of an avalanche, having the right equipment—beacon, probe, and shovel—is crucial. Avalanche beacons help locate buried victims quickly, while airbags can improve survival chances by increasing buoyancy and creating air pockets. Time is critical, with survival rates dropping significantly after 10 minutes of burial.

Learning from Avalanches

Bruce Tremper's experience and the knowledge of snow scientists, avalanche forecasters, and ski patrollers contribute significantly to avalanche safety. For those interested in learning more about avalanches and other scientific concepts, Brilliant offers interactive lessons that enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Final Thoughts

Avalanches are awe-inspiring but deadly. Proper preparation, awareness, and respect for avalanche terrain can significantly improve survival chances.

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