Large masses of snow, ice, or rock that suddenly slide down mountains, or a large sudden outpouring of something.
From French 'avalanche', possibly derived from 'val' (valley) or Occitan origins. The word entered English to describe the catastrophic mountain phenomenon, later becoming a metaphor for any sudden overwhelming rush.
Avalanches are almost silent at first—the thunderous roar everyone knows comes after people are usually already killed by the fall, which is why avalanche awareness is about recognizing subtle warning signs!
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