See a Massive Rock Slide Crash Into Lake Powell

Rock slides are just one of many dangerous yet common natural disasters. As a type of landslide, rock slides can cause severe damage to properties and structures as well as fatal injuries to any nearby humans or wildlife. 

A viral video showed a massive rock slide that took place at Lake Powell near the Antelope Marina in Arizona. The footage shows a huge rock face collapsing into the water, causing a major splash. At first, the person who captured the video noticed some movement of rock and sand before the entire rock face collapsed. This caused a gigantic wave within Lake Powell. 

Thankfully, no one was believed to be hurt by this rock slide. You can watch the incredible footage at the end of this article. 

What Is a Rock Slide?

A rock slide is a type of landslide that occurs when a mass of rocks and debris tumbles quickly downhill. This is typically caused by rock failure triggered by extreme rainstorms, earthquakes, fires, or even human interference (such as construction). The size and impact of a rock slide can vary, but many can become so massive and dangerous that they can actually destroy the structures below and seriously harm or ill humans or wildlife. 

What’s the Difference Between a Rock Slide and an Avalanche?

While rock slides and avalanches are similar, their causes differ. For instance, rock slides occur due to changes or failures in the underground structure on a mountainside, which causes the mass of writes to break off and tumble down the side of the mountain or cliff.

An avalanche, on the other hand, occurs when pieces of rock break off from a mountainside or cliff and fall en masse. 

Where Do Rock Slides Typically Occur? 

Rock slides can occur in any mountainous area. Though they can happen in any state, they’re most common in the coastal and mountainous regions of California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as the intermountain west and eastern mountainous and hilly regions of the country.

Watch the Incredible Footage Below