Rain is a relatively straightforward weather event, varying inamount and force. Snow, however, has different aspects when itaccumulates in various mountain areas with wind and other factorsaffecting how it lies.

A slab is a release of snow of a particular type that slides down the mountain as an avalanche,causing potential damage and loss of life. There are differenttypes of slabs, depending on snow type and wind conditions. Heavysnows can lead to wind slabs, deep slabs, hard slabs and softslabs, among others, which often lead to avalanches. An avalancheon a ski slope has been known not only to cause death and propertydamage, but also to block roadways and prevent people from gettinginto or out of an area.

Related: Here are 12 ways to protect your life and propertyfrom a landslide

Avalanches may be triggered by heavy snowfall. The first 24hours after a storm are the most critical. Heavy snowfall alsodeposits snow in unstable areas putting pressure on the snow-pack.Precipitation during the summer months often leads to wet snowavalanches, some of the most dangerous type of avalanches.

Winter sports and avalanches

Like anything else, humans can be at fault as well. Wintersports can put pressure on a snow-pack that can't handle theincreased pressure. Deforestation and soil erosion give the snowlittle stability in the winter, and the vibrations from ATVs andsnowmobiles can cause vibrations that the snow can't withstand.It's one of the quickest ways to cause an avalanche. Likewise,construction projects in which explosives are being used can alsotrigger an avalanche.

Avalanches can cause loss of life to those who enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing andsnowmobiling if participants get caught unprotected in the midst ofthe disaster. About 45 people die each year inNorth America due to avalanches. Even with emergency beacons, noteveryone is well practiced with them, which may cause lost time infinding survivors. Also, one-quarter of those caught in anavalanche die from hitting trees or rocks on the way down.

In addition, avalanches can block roads making them impassableand delaying rescue for those under the snow. An avalanche in 2015killed at least 124 people in Afghanistan, felling trees acrossroads, pulling down power lines and damaging buildings.

Avalanches also affect tourism. For example, in 2012 MountEverest climbers paid the Nepalese government $3.3 million in fees,and millions more for hotels and other services during theirextended visits. An avalanche in 2014 in Nepal killed 13 Sherpas,and the remaining Sherpas threatened to quit for the season,putting tourism dollars at risk for the entire area.

Ski resorts and other businesses can be shut down until roadsare clear and access available again. An avalanche may also triggera flash flood, adding its debris to rivers and streams with the iceand snow melting and increasing water volume.

Avalanche-related claims

Property damage, business interruption and loss of rental valueare all claims that may be made following an avalanche, includingmedical and life insurance claims. As always, flooding is excludedfrom any property damage policy. Unless the insured had a flood policy, there is no coverage. You don'thave to live near the beach in order to be exposed to floodhazards.

Damage from the weight of ice or snow is generally covered.However, damage to trees, shrubs, plants and lawns are only coveredfor the following named perils: fire or lightning, explosion, riotor civil commotion, aircraft, vehicles not owned or operated by aresident of the premises, vandalism or malicious mischief, ortheft. Any trees damaged by an avalanche will not be covered.

What's a 'collapse'?

An avalanche or related landslide is going to bring up the issueof collapse. If the dwelling collapses, there is coverage. However,remember a collapse is defined as an abrupt falling down or cavingin of a building or any part of a building with the result that thebuilding or that part cannot be occupied for its intended use. Ifthe kitchen collapses there is coverage; if the kitchen wall isbulging, or sagging, or in danger of falling down, it is notcovered.

It's key with collapse that the building or part actually falldown or cave in. Being close to falling in is not a collapse.Likewise the collapse must be caused by specific named perils;collapse is not open perils coverage. Covered perils are coverage Cperils, decay hidden from view, hidden insect or vermin damage,weight of contents, equipment, animals or people, weight of raincollecting on the roof, or use of defective construction materialsif the collapse occurs during construction.

The damage to personal property in a premises caused by theweight of ice, snow or sleet is generallycovered. Of note is that when the peril is windstorm or hail, loss toproperty inside the dwelling caused by rain, snow, sleet, sand ordust is not covered unless the direct force of wind or hail hascaused an opening in the roof or wall and the weather entersthrough that hole. For example, in a blizzard with howling winds,snow is blown in through poorly insulated windows; the wind did notcreate an opening, it just took advantage of existing space andfilled the room with snow. There is no coverage. However, if anavalanche comes down the mountain pushing in a wall damagingcontents but not collapsing the building, damage to the contents iscovered.

Christine G. Barlow, CPCU is managing editor with FC&S, a resource for insurance coverage analysis.She may be reached a [email protected].