Recent avalanches in the Salang Pass of Afghanistan have killed over 150 people, and many more remain buried alive. This tragedy is a reminder of the power and danger avalanches present.Nearly a hundred years ago, during World War I, Austrian and Italian troops fighting in the Alps faced the prospect of catastrophic avalanches that some believe were caused by artillery fire. The number of troops killed is staggering. During December of 1916, for example, over 10,000 Austrian and Italian soldiers were killed by a deadly series of avalanches, including one avalanche on December 13 that buried an Austrian barracks and killed several hundred soldiers.
In 1951-1952, during what was called the Winter of Terror, over 650 avalanches were recorded in the Alps, killing 265 people.
In 1999, an avalanche in Montroc, France, hit speeds of 60 mph and moved over 310,00 cubic yards of snow as it buried chalets and killed 12 people. The same year 31 people died in the Austrian town of Galtur as the worst avalanche in 40 years hit the village.
The Salang Pass in summer. The steep sides mean winter travelers face a constant threat of avalanches.
