What causes avalanches, and can you survive them?

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Simon Trautman |

TED-Ed

• June 2026

Avalanches are the rapid descent of snow, ice, rock, or a combination of these down a slope. They can be destructive natural disasters and personal tragedies: killing an average of 27 people annually in the US. These alpine nightmares don’t just awaken out of nowhere; they need three specific conditions. So, what causes an avalanche? And is there any way to survive? Simon Trautman investigates. [Directed by Denys Spolitak, narrated by Bethany Cutmore-Scott, music by Stephen LaRosa, Wonder Boy Audio].