1. large masses of snow, ice, and rocks that slide rapidly down a mountainside
2. sudden overwhelming quantities of things arriving at the same time
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The ski resort was closed due to the risk of avalanches.
• Three climbers were caught in separate avalanches last winter.
• Heavy snowfall increased the danger of avalanches in the mountains.
• The company received avalanches of complaints after the product recall.
• Avalanches of fan mail arrived at the studio after the show aired.
• The senator faced avalanches of criticism for his controversial vote.