Ep 10. Avalanche: Making a Deadly Snowstorm

Avalanche: Making a Deadly Snowstorm is the tenth episode of the 2018 season of the popular science documentary series Horizon. In this episode, the focus is on the deadly power of avalanches and the scientific efforts to prevent them from claiming lives.

The episode starts with a harrowing account of a devastating avalanche that occurred in the French Alps in 2015. This avalanche killed seven people, including five teenage students and their teacher. The tragedy prompted scientists and engineers to look for ways to predict and prevent such disasters from happening in the future.

The viewers are taken on a journey with the avalanche hunters, who travel to the Himalayas to study the snowpack and collect data that will help them create models to predict avalanches. They also install unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with cameras and sensors to gather information from difficult-to-reach locations.

The episode explains that the science of avalanche prediction is complicated and involves a range of factors. It is not just about the quantity of snow but also the terrain, altitude, temperature, and wind patterns. The show also highlights the importance of understanding human behavior and how people respond to the risk of avalanches when making predictions.

Horizon then delves into the technology that has been developed to prevent avalanches from happening. This includes the use of explosives to create controlled blasts that release the snow before it builds up, as well as the installation of avalanche barriers. The episode features an innovative new technology called the avalanche airbag, which deploys in seconds when triggered and creates a larger surface area to help skiers float on the snow. This technology has saved countless lives and has been embraced by skiing communities worldwide.

The episode concludes by highlighting the importance of education and awareness in preventing avalanche-related deaths. The episode reveals how skiing communities are working together to educate skiers on the risks and dangers of avalanches, and the precautions they can take to minimize those risks. This includes attending avalanche safety classes, wearing the proper safety equipment, and understanding the potential of the terrain they are skiing on.

Overall, Avalanche: Making a Deadly Snowstorm is a sobering reminder of the dangers of avalanches. It offers valuable insight into the science of avalanche prediction and prevention, and highlights the need for further research and innovation to save lives. The episode is a testament to the bravery of the avalanche hunters and the ski communities that work so hard to keep people safe in the mountains.