Several artificial and natural factors can cause an avalanche.

The weather forecast plays an important part. If it is too windy, it can shake the snow and make it unstable, causing avalanches. Another cause of avalanches can be excessive snow. If it snows, it can build up more pressure and cause an avalanche.

Therefore, before going to an avalanche prone area, make sure it is safe. Earthquakes also trigger avalanches, which is a bad thing. When the landscape where snow has been lying shakes, it will slide off. If you are unfortunate to be there at that time, you’d better move out of the way. New snow is also a trigger for avalanches, so you’d better stay on guard and watch out for soft snow.

However, when slow settles rapidly it is a good sign. You should look for settlement cones around rocks and tree trunks. On a windy day, unsettled snow can become a threat.

Among unnatural factors, the constructions we do at these areas weaken the structure and increase the risks of avalanches. Other human activities like drilling, explosions and tourist activities also contribute to increasing the risk of an avalanche.