Feature Physics

The science of avalanches

Using physics to predict how fast and far snow slides will go

avalanche on Mt. Everest

DEADLY FLOW  An earthquake in April 2015 shook a glacier near the Mount Everest base camp, dislodging a massive avalanche that killed 21 people. Here, rescuers evacuate injured climbers.

Roberto Schmidt/AFP photo

By Alexandra Witze

- More than 2 years ago

Olivia Buchanan loved to ski. She grew up in the high country of Colorado and, at age 23, was studying snow science at Montana State University in Bozeman, hoping to make a career in the mountains she adored.