Avalanche

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An avalanche is a large amount of snow, ice, and rocks that falls quickly down a mountain. Avalanches occur when a layer of snow collapses and slides down the hill. It is caused by overloading, vibrations from thunder or an explosion, earthquakes, or the angle of the slope. Avalanches can reach speeds of 80 miles per hour. Most happen during storms due to rapidly melting snow. Avalanches kill more than 150 people every year.

Deadliest in World History:

• Occurred in 1970 in Peru

• The Ancash earthquake caused an avalanche

• It moved at 173 miles per hour

• It was ½ mile wide

• Killed at least 2,000 people

Deadliest in U.S. History:

• Occurred in 1910 in Washington

• It was a severe blizzard for 9 days

• Killed 96 people

BEFORE AN AVALANCHE:

• Avoid areas of risk

• Know signs of danger where you are:

• Steep slops

• Recent avalanches

• Cracks in slope

DURING AN AVALANCHE:

• Get to safety

• If you are in an avalanche:

• Grab something solid so you don’t get swept away

• Stay on the surface with a swimming motion so you don’t get buried under

AFTER AN AVALANCHE:

• Dig yourself out, calm your breathing, and stay calm

• Stay away from snow piles

KEYWORDS:

Overloading: the weight of the snow

Angle of the slope: how steep the slope is

Source: FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/