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Avalanches: Causes, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies l UPSC CSE Notes

Avalanches: Causes, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies l UPSC CSE Notes


Introduction

Avalanches are one of the most devastating natural disasters in mountainous regions, particularly in the Himalayas. The recent avalanche in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, which trapped 22 workers at a BRO project site, highlights the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness. Understanding avalanches, their causes, and mitigation strategies is crucial for disaster management and environmental sustainability.

What is an Avalanche?

An avalanche is the rapid descent of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain slope. It can be triggered by natural factors like heavy snowfall and earthquakes or human activities like deforestation and tourism. Avalanches can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h, making them extremely destructive.

Types of Avalanches

  1. Loose Snow Avalanche:

    • Begins at a single point and gathers snow as it moves downward.

    • Common on steep slopes (>40°) after fresh snowfall.

  2. Slab Avalanche:

    • Occurs when a compacted layer of snow breaks away as a single slab.

    • The most dangerous type, responsible for 90% of avalanche-related deaths.

  3. Gliding Avalanche:

    • Involves the slow movement of an entire snowpack over a smooth surface.

    • Often triggered by rising temperatures and occurs on slopes >15°.

  4. Powder Avalanche:

    • High-speed avalanche creating a powder cloud that causes shockwave impact.

    • Can reach speeds of 300 km/h, making it highly destructive.

  5. Wet Snow Avalanche:

    • Triggered by melting snow due to temperature rise or rain.

    • Slower than other avalanches but more destructive due to its high density.

Causes of Avalanches

1. Natural Causes:

  • Heavy Snowfall & Wind: Uneven accumulation weakens snowpack stability.

  • Steep Slopes: Avalanches mostly occur on 30°-45° inclines.

  • Temperature Changes: Thawing and refreezing create weak layers within the snowpack.

  • Earthquakes & Vibrations: Natural tremors can trigger slides on unstable slopes.

2. Human-Induced Causes:

  • Winter Sports & Tourism: Skiing, trekking, and snowmobiling disturb snow layers.

  • Deforestation & Construction: Cutting trees weakens slope stability.

  • Military Activities: High-altitude warfare, detonations, and road construction can trigger avalanches.

Impacts of Avalanches

1. Human Casualties & Injuries:

  • Suffocation, trauma, and hypothermia significantly reduce survival chances after 15 minutes of burial.

2. Infrastructure Damage:

  • Avalanches block highways, bury homes, and destroy military bases and BRO camps.

3. Communication & Utility Disruptions:

  • Snow slides damage power lines, water supply systems, and mobile networks.

4. Environmental Hazards:

  • Melting avalanche snow can cause landslides and flash floods.

5. Economic Impact:

  • Avalanche-related road closures and destruction affect tourism, trade, and local economies.

Avalanche Mitigation Strategies

1. Early Warning Systems:

  • IMD Avalanche Forecasting: Monitors snowfall, slope stability, and temperature changes.

  • Remote Sensing & AI-Based Prediction: Real-time detection using satellite data.

2. Structural Protection Measures:

  • Snow Barriers & Fences: Installed on slopes to prevent snow buildup.

  • Avalanche Deflecting Structures: Redirect snow away from populated areas.

3. Artificial Avalanche Triggers:

  • Controlled Explosions: Initiating small slides prevents catastrophic avalanches.

4. Land Use & Zoning Regulations:

  • Avoiding construction in avalanche-prone zones.

  • Ski resorts and highways must adhere to risk assessment guidelines.

5. Strengthening Rescue & Disaster Response:

  • NDMA, BRO, and ITBP must coordinate real-time rescue operations.

  • Community awareness programs on avalanche survival skills.

Way Forward

  1. Enhancing Satellite-Based Avalanche Monitoring

    • Expanding remote sensing and AI-driven forecasting.

  2. Improving Infrastructure Resilience

    • Constructing avalanche tunnels and snow-retention barriers along major highways.

  3. Strengthening Inter-Agency Coordination

    • Integrating efforts of IMD, BRO, NDMA, and ITBP.

  4. Promoting Climate-Resilient Development

    • Limiting deforestation and unregulated tourism in Himalayan risk zones.

  5. Community Training & Awareness Initiatives

    • Conducting safety drills for locals, trekkers, and military personnel.

Conclusion

Avalanches are a major disaster in India's Himalayan belt, posing threats to lives, infrastructure, and economic stability. Strengthening forecasting, mitigation infrastructure, and rescue preparedness can significantly reduce the risk. A collective approach involving government agencies, scientists, and communities is key to avalanche resilience.

UPSC CSE Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

  1. Which of the following factors contribute to avalanche formation?                                         a) Heavy snowfall b) Earthquakes c) Deforestation d) All of the above
    Answer: (d) All of the above

  2. Which type of avalanche is responsible for the most fatalities?                                                 a) Loose snow avalanche b) Slab avalanche c) Wet snow avalanche d) Powder avalanche
    Answer: (b) Slab avalanche

  3. What is the primary cause of wet snow avalanches?                                                                  a) Earthquakes b) Melting snow due to temperature rise c) Strong winds d) Heavy snowfall
    Answer: (b) Melting snow due to temperature rise

  4. Which organization provides avalanche forecasting in India?                                                  a) ISRO b) NDMA c) IMD d) BRO
    Answer: (c) IMD

UPSC Mains Question

Q: "Avalanches are a recurring disaster in India's Himalayan region. Analyze their causes, consequences, and suggest mitigation strategies."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Which regions in India are most prone to avalanches?

    • Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh.

  2. What is the survival time for someone buried under an avalanche?

    • Survival chances drop drastically after 15 minutes due to suffocation and hypothermia.

  3. What role does climate change play in avalanches?

    • Rising temperatures lead to unstable snowpacks, increasing avalanche frequency.

  4. What is the most effective avalanche prevention method?

    • A combination of early warning systems, artificial triggers, and structural barriers.

  5. How can tourists and trekkers protect themselves from avalanches?

    • Checking weather forecasts, avoiding high-risk slopes, and carrying avalanche safety gear.

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