This book describes the causes and effects of avalanches, case studies of past avalanches, and how they can be predicted or prevented in the future.

Includes index and glossary.

What is an avalanche? -- Where do avalanches happen? -- What causes an avalanche? -- Case Study : Yungay, Peru, 1970 -- What happens in an avalanche? -- Case Study : Les Orres, France, 1998 -- Who helps after an avalanche? -- Case Study : Anchorage, Alaska, 2000 -- Can avalanches be predicted? -- Can avalanches be prevented? -- How do people prepare for avalanches? -- What about avalanches in the future? -- Some avalanche disasters of the past.