A snow avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a slope, often triggered by factors like heavy snowfall, temperature changes, or human activity. Avalanches can occur in mountainous regions and pose significant risks to people, wildlife, and infrastructure. They can vary in size and speed, with some moving at over 80 miles per hour. There are different types of avalanches, including slab avalanches, which occur when a cohesive layer of snow breaks loose, and loose snow avalanches, which start from a small point and gather more snow as they descend. Understanding avalanche dynamics is crucial for safety in winter sports and mountain travel.