Avalanche
 An
avalanche occurs when a mass of snow falls down a mountainside.
That is because new snow (which is not wet) accumulates on
a more heavy snow layer. Since the new snow layer is not compact,
it could slide down toward the base of the mountain.
Avalanches could be triggered by loud noise (yells, firearm
shots, etc.). Skiers, snowboarders and climbers could also
cause an avalanche.
There are two ways to reduce avalanche risks: by installing
snowsheds or by triggering controlled avalanches. These protection
fences are made of rocks, soil and other materials. They prevent
avalanches to fill trails used by humans.
Controlled avalanches cause the accumulated snow to fall
down before it could trigger avalanches by itself. When nobody
is in danger, explosives are used to produce a loud noise
that causes an avalanche.
Avalanches could be seen every winter in mountainous regions
of Québec. Fortunately, they do not often occur near
inhabited areas.
What to Do During an Avalanche
During the winter, do not venture in the mountain without
an adult.
If you walk in a trail after a snow fall, do not walk in
the middle of it, but rather on the side. Avalanches always
fall down in the middle of the path; thus, if you are on the
side, the risks of being hit by the avalanche are lower.
Did You Know...?
- In 1999, an avalanche killed many people in Kangiqsualujjuaq,
near the Ungava Bay in northern Québec.
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 Last
update:
2005-04-19 3:49 PM
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