Synopsis

Avalanches strike with sudden force, inflicting damage on buildings and endangering lives. A significant number of those that occurred in Yamanashi Prefecture in 2014 unfolded in areas where such events are rarely seen. It has since become clear that many were "slab avalanches"—where a cohesive layer of snow on the surface breaks free. Understanding the causes and mechanisms behind these slab avalanches is crucial. We will examine recent research aimed at elucidating these processes, as well as