Avalanche Quiz

What is the first sign of an avalanche?

• A loud explosion

• A slight rumble

• A flash of light

• A sudden silence

How much snow can come crashing down in an avalanche within seconds?

• 10 tons

• 50 tons

• 100 tons

• 200 tons

What is the main cause of avalanches?

• Earthquakes

• Heavy rain

• Snowfall and snowpack

• Strong winds

How high was the snowpack formed in Austria in 1999?

• 10 feet

• 15 feet

• 20 feet

• 25 feet

What is a snowpack?

• A single layer of snow

• A pile of snow layers

• A snowball

• A snowstorm

What can cause a slab avalanche?

• A weak layer of snow

• A strong earthquake

• Heavy rainfall

• High temperatures

How fast can slab avalanches travel?

• 50 miles per hour

• 75 miles per hour

• 100 miles per hour

• 125 miles per hour

What is a "sluff" avalanche?

• A small, harmless avalanche

• A large, destructive avalanche

• An avalanche caused by rain

• An avalanche caused by ice

What is the role of wind in causing avalanches?

• It melts the snow

• It strengthens the snowpack

• It can trigger weak layers

• It has no effect

What natural force gives avalanches their speed?

• Wind

• Gravity

• Water

• Sunlight