Horizon Season 1999 Episode 12 Anatomy of an Avalanche

Anatomy of an Avalanche is the twelfth episode of the 1999 season of the science documentary show Horizon. The episode explores the science behind avalanches and investigates the causes of these deadly natural disasters.

The episode starts with a glimpse of the 1999 Galtür avalanche at the Galtür ski resort in Austria, which led to the death of 31 people. This serves as a wake-up call for the viewers about the dangers of avalanche, which can occur unexpectedly and with devastating consequences.

The host of the show begins by explaining what an avalanche is. Simply put, an avalanche is a mass of snow that slides down a slope due to gravity. However, the science behind the formation of an avalanche is far more complex. The episode explains the role of temperature and humidity in the snowpack, which can contribute to the instability of the snow layers.

The show features interviews with avalanche experts, who describe their research on snow conditions and weather patterns that can trigger an avalanche. Through their work in the field, these scientists are able to predict when and where an avalanche is likely to occur.

The episode also focuses on human behavior in avalanche-prone areas. The show notes that recreational activities like skiing and snowboarding have led to a higher number of human-triggered avalanches. The show investigates how people can reduce their chances of getting caught in an avalanche and demonstrates the use of avalanche safety gear like beacons and airbags.

To give the viewers a sense of the magnitude of a destructive avalanche, the show goes to the Swiss Alps to witness a controlled avalanche. The team of experts triggers a massive avalanche, which creates a wall of snow several meters high. The show explains that this kind of controlled avalanche helps to release the energy from the snowpack, making it less prone to spontaneous avalanches.

Anatomy of an Avalanche also delves into the aftermath of a deadly avalanche and showcases the search and rescue operations that take place. The episode reveals the extent of the damages caused by the avalanche and the efforts of the community to rebuild.

Finally, the show concludes by summarizing the major takeaways from the episode. These include the importance of being aware of the warning signs of an approaching avalanche, reducing the risks through personal safety gear and training, and being responsible while enjoying recreational activities in avalanche-prone areas.

Anatomy of an Avalanche sheds light on an important natural phenomenon that can have devastating consequences. Through the show's detailed explanations and visual demonstrations, viewers are able to gain a deeper understanding of the science behind avalanches and the ways in which they can protect themselves and their communities. Overall, the episode offers a fascinating insight into the world of avalanche science and the human impact of these powerful natural events.