Testing Avalanches On The Slopes And In The Lab [Video]

For winter sports enthusiasts, there is nothing scarier than the prospect of an avalanche. As the New York Times documented in its epic feature "Snow Fall", avalanches can be deadly surprises to people on the slopes, ruining lives forever. But it isn't like avalanches occur randomly. As with all things in nature, there are underlying causes behind these disasters. Scientists at Montana State University's SubZero facility work everyday to analyze what can cause a seemingly steady pack of snow to give way dramatically. Their work is documented in a short film by Abby Kent called 'Avalanche…

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