An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a mountainside, often triggered by a combination of factors including snow accumulation, temperature changes, and gravitational forces. Avalanches can be highly destructive, and their occurrence is influenced by the snowpack structure, slope angle, and weather conditions. They are studied extensively in the fields of geology and environmental science for risk assessment and mitigation in mountainous regions.
Reference: McClung, D., & Schaerer, P. (2006). The Avalanche Handbook. The Mountaineers Books.