Snow Formation and Avalanches

Considering the excellent sliding surface that snow affords, the skier might well wonder, "Why doesn't this snow avalanche?" instead of "Will it avalanche?" Any rugged snow terrain demonstrates that the avalanche is the rule, not the exception. Almost as soon as snow falls, it slides from the steeper cliffs and rock faces. What kind of ground or rock surface, then, will hold it? Once it is held by the ground, what will hold each succeeding snowfall to the snow layer it falls upon? Indeed, what holds one snow crystal to another? These are basic questions, and there are three more: What precautions should be taken in avalanche territory? What should one do if caught in an avalanche? And what can one do for others who are trapped?