Why avalanches are most deadly when they stop

230,173 plays|

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].