List of avalanches by death toll facts for kids

An avalanche is a huge, fast-moving slide of snow, ice, and rocks down a mountainside. Avalanches can be incredibly powerful and dangerous, sweeping away everything in their path. They often happen in snowy, mountainous regions, especially after heavy snowfall or during sudden thaws.

What Makes Avalanches So Dangerous?

Avalanches can travel at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour (320 km/h), making them impossible to outrun. The sheer force of the moving snow can crush buildings, uproot trees, and bury people. Even if someone survives the initial impact, they can suffocate under the snow or die from injuries or hypothermia.

Types of Avalanches

There are different types of avalanches, but the most common and dangerous are:

• Slab avalanches: These happen when a weak layer of snow beneath a stronger, more cohesive slab of snow breaks away. The slab then slides down the mountain.
• Loose snow avalanches: These start at a single point and fan out as they collect more snow, looking like an upside-down teardrop. They are usually less dangerous than slab avalanches.

Some of the World's Most Deadly Avalanches

Throughout history, avalanches have caused terrible disasters, especially in mountain communities. Here are some of the most impactful ones:

The Huascarán Avalanches, Peru

The Huascarán mountain in Peru has seen some of the deadliest avalanches.

• 1970 Huascarán avalanche: This was one of the worst avalanches ever recorded. It was triggered by a massive 1970 Ancash earthquake. A huge chunk of ice and rock broke off the mountain, turning into a fast-moving flow of mud and debris. It buried the town of Yungay, killing an estimated 22,000 people.
• 1962 Huascarán avalanche: Eight years earlier, another huge avalanche from Huascarán killed about 4,000 people. It destroyed several villages, showing how dangerous this area can be.

White Friday, Italy (1916)

During World War I, soldiers fighting in the Alps faced not only the enemy but also the extreme dangers of nature. On December 13, 1916, known as White Friday (1916), a series of avalanches struck the Italian front lines. These were likely triggered by heavy snowfall and possibly even artillery fire. Between 2,000 and 10,000 soldiers were killed on this single day, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in military history.

The Winter of Terror, Europe (1951)

The winter of 1950-1951 was nicknamed the "Winter of Terror" in the Alps. A huge amount of snow fell, followed by strong winds and a sudden warm spell. This led to a series of 649 avalanches across Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. Over 265 people lost their lives, and many villages were destroyed. This event led to much better avalanche forecasting and safety measures in the region.

Afghanistan's Avalanche Disasters

Afghanistan is a very mountainous country, and avalanches are a serious threat there.

• 2015 Afghanistan avalanches: In 2015, a series of avalanches killed at least 310 people across different provinces.
• 2012 Afghanistan avalanches: Another deadly year saw 201 people die in avalanches.
• 2010 Salang avalanches: In 2010, at least 36 avalanches struck the Salang Pass, a major mountain road, burying vehicles and killing 172 people.

Notable Avalanches in North America

North America has also experienced devastating avalanches.

• Wellington, Washington avalanche (1910): This was the deadliest avalanche in United States history. A train was stuck by heavy snow near Wellington, Washington. An avalanche then struck, pushing the train cars into a canyon and killing 96 people.
• Rogers Pass avalanche, Canada (1910): On the same day as the Wellington disaster, an avalanche at Rogers Pass in Canada killed 62 railway workers. This remains the deadliest avalanche in Canadian history.

Staying Safe from Avalanches

If you are in a snowy, mountainous area, it's important to be aware of avalanche risks.

• Check conditions: Always check the avalanche forecast before heading into the backcountry.
• Stay on marked trails: Stick to areas that are known to be safe and avoid slopes that are prone to avalanches.
• Carry safety gear: If you must go into avalanche terrain, carry an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe, and know how to use them.
• Go with experts: Never go alone. Travel with experienced people who know how to assess risks and perform rescues.

Avalanches are a powerful reminder of nature's force. By understanding them and taking precautions, we can help keep ourselves and others safe in the mountains.

See also

• Avalanche
• List of natural disasters by death toll