Explained in plain English
Why are avalanches so unpredictable?
Avalanches are notoriously tricky because snowpacks form fragile, hidden layers under shifting winds and temperatures. A tiny trigger can collapse these weak zones instantly. In the tragic Karakoram incident involving Nirmal Purja, even elite mountaineers faced this invisible hazard, as conditions in high altitude ranges can change without warning, catching expeditions off guard.
Stories that explain this
Mountaineer Nirmal Purja dies in Pakistan avalanche, expedition company confirmsQuestions this opens up
What triggers a slab avalanche? How snow layers shift Surviving a snow burialThis explainer came from a news story
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