Avalanche defined as a rapid snow mass flow down slopes.​Forms when weak layers collapse under slab weight.​Four types: slab, loose snow, wet snow, and glide avalanches.​Triggers include heavy snow, ...

Avalanche deaths are rare inbounds at ski resorts like Palisades Tahoe, but the risk rises in the backcountry—30 backcountry avalanche deaths were reported in the U.S. during the 2022-2023 season.

The behavior of an avalanche depends on the structure of the snowpack, but that's only one ingredient. An avalanche requires all the wrong conditions at the wrong time. The angle of the mountain slope ...