Snow avalanches have a substantial impact upon human activity in mountainous regions. In this article I employ a climatological framework to examine the mechanisms by which snow avalanches occur. This is followed by a discussion of the hydrologic and geomorphic aspects of avalanches, and an examination of the current state of research as regards predicting maximum avalanche runout and avalanche risk. It is hoped that this article brings to the reader's attention the wide range of literature that focuses upon this very hazardous natural phenomenon.
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