Glossary

Natural Avalanche

Credit
Raven Eye Photography

A natural avalanche was triggered here by falling snow from the rocky headwall above it.

An avalanche is said to be natural if the trigger is not a result of the actions of a person or animal, or from another avalanche on an adjacent slope. Natural triggers include:

  • Loading of the snowpack from snowfall, wind, or rain;
  • Rapid warming from the sun or rising temperatures;
  • Cornice, rock, or ice fall.